Asia Cup 2023: Pakistan Will Play in India If They Accept Asia Cup Hybrid Model
Najam Sethi, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) management committee, stated that if the hybrid model for Asia Cup 2023 is accepted, Pakistan will travel to India to participate in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
Sethi stated in a second interview with an Indian media agency that Pakistan’s political situation will stabilize by September (the Asia Cup window).
“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.
“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.
As confirmed by Sethi, Pakistan will play the ICC World Cup in India if the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) approves the 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 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.
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