After Rejecting Asia Cup Hybrid Model, Incoming PCB Chief Changes Stance

A recent Asia Cup 2023 controversy appeared to have erupted on Wednesday after the incoming Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Zaka Ashraf slammed the ‘hybrid mannequin’, suggesting Pakistan ought to be internet hosting the whole event themselves. The present setup sees Pakistan and Sri Lanka each internet hosting the continental event, however Ashraf wasn’t comfortable seeing the islanders getting the higher chunk of video games. As his feedback grew to become an enormous matter of debate amongst cricket followers on social media, Ashraf softened his stance, suggesting now that the choice has been made, he “can’t do anything about it”.

“In my personal opinion, this whole hybrid model isn’t beneficial for Pakistan and I didn’t like it,” Ashraf was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo. “Being a host, Pakistan should have negotiated better to make sure that the entire tournament should have played in Pakistan. Sri Lanka taking the bigger lot of games, leaving Pakistan with only four games, isn’t in the best interest of our country.

Ashraf confirmed that he would not attempt to disrupt the existing agreement that has already been reached between the Pakistan Cricket Board and the Asian Cricket Council.

“But I see the choice has been made, so we’ve got to go together with it. I can’t block or have any intention to not adjust to the choice. I can not do a lot about it however to honour the dedication. But going ahead, each choice we make might be made for and within the curiosity of the nation,” he said.

The Asia Cup’s venue and schedule have been a big point of debate in the cricketing fraternity for months. After the PCB vs BCCI logjam, the Pakistan board suggested a ‘hybrid model’ under the chairmanship of interim chief Najam Sethi.

The model will see four to five of the tournament’s 13 games being played in Pakistan. The rest of the matches will be held in Sri Lanka, including all the India vs Pakistan encounters as well as the tournament’s final if the Indian team goes through.