Asia Cup 2023: Jay Shah to Assess PCB’s Hybrid Model
Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Jay Shah is prepared to evaluate the hybrid model proposed by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the Asia Cup 2023 at an official meeting in Dubai within two days.
Sources indicate that Shah, also the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has convened an official meeting with ACC board members to discuss the PCB’s hybrid model for hosting the Asia Cup.
After an unofficial meeting, the ACC will likely convene an official meeting by the end of the month to determine the future of the Asian event.
PCB has provided two hybrid model options. In the first option, India’s matches will be contested at a neutral venue, while all other encounters will be held in Pakistan. In an alternative scenario, four group stage matches will be played in Pakistan during the first phase, while the second phase will be played at a neutral venue. During the second phase, the Indian team’s matches, the matches of the subsequent stages, and the final will be played.
The cricket administrations of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have reportedly concurred on the second option. In the event of its approval, Pakistan will host their group match against Nepal. Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan will play their group-stage matches in Pakistan. Pakistan will host four matches before the league shifts to a neutral location that will be mutually determined.
PCB desires UAE to be the neutral venue because it guarantees that gate receipts will be deposited into their account. However, Dambulla and Pallekele, two communities in Sri Lanka, can also be considered neutral sites.
Also Read: Asia Cup 2023: Sri Lanka and Bangladesh Support PCB’s Hybrid Model