Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed a hybrid model to Asian Cricket Council (ACC) as the best possible way to conduct the tournament amicably.
The model initially proposed that India play their matches at a neutral venue and the rest of the teams come to Pakistan and play their matches, with a possible India vs. Pakistan final taking place at the neutral venue.
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly rejected the first hybrid model, prompting Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Najam Sethi to propose a revised version in which the first four matches will take place in Pakistan and then all the teams along with the men in green, move to the neutral venue.
PCB told ACC and BCCI that they decide the neutral venue because they are the hosts.
PCB wants Dubai or UAE to be the host of Asia Cup if the hybrid model is considered because the money gateways are clearer in Dubai rather than Sri Lanka or any other venue.
Bangladesh and Sri Lankan boards have agreed to the hybrid model but Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has observed that it’s too hot in Dubai so that’s why players are not agreeing to play in the desert city.
“We have no issues if the tournament will be completely played in Pakistan, we have good bilateral relations with Pakistan and PCB, we are ready to come,” the board reported said, adding that they will be ok with Sri Lanka too.
“The weather in UAE is not suitable for cricket and it will affect the health of players as we can not afford to take any risk specially ahead of World Cup 2023.”
According to sources quoted by media, Pakistan will travel to India for the World Cup on the basis of some give and take if India agrees in writing that they will travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.
