According to a recent report, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is willing to proceed with the hybrid model for the Asia Cup, following support from other Asian nations. However, the BCCI has a new condition: they want written assurance from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that they will visit India for the World Cup 2023 in October.
The BCCI is expected to officially accept the hybrid model during a Special General Meeting in Ahmedabad on May 27. The BCCI has been firm in its decision not to send their team to Pakistan for the Asia Cup and prefers a neutral venue. On the other hand, the PCB is reluctant to host the event outside Pakistan as it would impact their efforts to bring back international cricket to the country.
To resolve the deadlock, the PCB presented the hybrid model with two options. The first option suggests that India plays their matches at a neutral venue while all other matches are held in Pakistan. The second option includes four group stage matches in Pakistan, followed by the remaining matches of the Indian team and the final at a neutral venue.
Najam Sethi, the chairman of the PCB Management Committee, emphasized the need for a rational approach to overcome the crisis that threatens the successful hosting of the Asia Cup and Pakistan’s participation in the World Cup. He expressed concerns that if India refuses to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, the Pakistani government may restrict their team from crossing the borders for the World Cup, which would adversely impact cricket.
Sethi stressed the importance of finding a middle ground to resolve the issues and ensure the smooth hosting of ICC and ACC events. He noted that if India refuses to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, the government may not permit the Pakistani team to travel to India for World Cup matches.
