Asia Cup 2023: Pakistan May Boycott World Cup 2023 if loses Asia Cup Hosting Rights
In response to India’s uncompromising posture on the hybrid model for Asia Cup 2023, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee Chairman Najam Sethi has warned India that Pakistan may boycott from the 2023 World Cup India if Pakistan loses the cricket Asia Cup 2023 hosting rights.
He stated that Pakistan could also accuse the government in New Delhi regarding security concerns on the Indian side of the border.
“Our government could also accuse India of inciting terrorism.” Both nations have engaged in anti-terrorism efforts. “Since the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team, a lot has changed in Pakistan,” he reiterated.
He made it plain, however, that Pakistan will travel to India to compete in the ICC World Cup if they approve the hybrid model for this season’s Asia Cup.
In an interview with an Indian media agency, Sethi predicted that Pakistan’s political situation would stabilize by September (the Asia Cup window).
“Riots also occurred in Delhi, and they can occur anywhere. It does not indicate that the city has become dangerous. When Imran Khan was protesting on the streets, the New Zealand national team was playing in Pakistan. Since 2012, we have hosted international cricket matches. There is absolutely no issue,” he added.
In 2015, Sethi was the first to influence the revival of international cricket in Pakistan. As chairman of the PCB, he oversaw the Zimbabwe tour of Lahore in 2015 and the Pakistan Super League (PSL) final in Lahore in 2017.
Since then, international personalities and teams have visited Pakistan for PSL and bilateral matches. Recently, Pakistan hosted world-class cricket teams, including Australia, England, and New Zealand.
Sethi ensured that Pakistan will participate in the ICC World Cup if the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) approves a hybrid model for the Asia Cup.
“We are prepared to host the World Cup in India if our Asia Cup hybrid model is accepted,” said the PCB chief.
“I believe the decision should be made as soon as feasible. We have made many concessions; the hybrid paradigm is the best solution. If the hybrid model is adopted, the neutral location will be determined by consensus, Sethi concluded.
According to sources cited by Geo News, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is likely to hold a meeting this week to discuss the hybrid model proposed by the PCB for hosting the Asian event.
PCB has provided two hybrid model options. In the first scenario, India’s matches will be contested at a neutral venue, while all other matches 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.
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