BCB, SLC object PCB's hybrid model proposal for Asia Cup 2023

The hybrid model to host Asia Cup 2023 proposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board during a meeting with Asian Cricket Council (ACC) on Tuesday, May 09 in Dubai, has been objected by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

The PCB once again presented the ‘hybrid model’ to host the continental tournament where India would be playing their matches in the U.A.E due to their reluctance to travel to Pakistan because of political tensions between the two nations.

However, BCB and SLC rejected the model due to the logistical challenges involved in travelling between Pakistan and a second country during the Asia Cup. The extreme heat in the UAE during the first half of September was also one of the reasons for both boards to be against the model. 

"We have written to the ACC to say that we are against the hybrid model. But beyond that, no final decision has been reached. It's very hot in the UAE at that time of year,” Mohan de Silva, the SLC secretary was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

The statement has been countered by a PCB official who claimed that BCB and SLC earlier confirmed that they have no issues playing in Pakistan and the board has emails from both about the same. The official further stated that last year's Asia Cup was also played during the same window from August 27 to September 11 in the UAE but the boards are objecting to this time.

The 2018 Asia Cup, which was originally supposed to be played in India, was later shifted to UAE and was played from September 15-28. In 2022 as well, the tournament was moved out of Sri Lanka due to political unrest in the country and was once again played in the U.A.E. 

Pakistan could also follow suit and retain the hosting rights of the tournament but host it outside their country. According to reports, Sri Lanka is being talked about as a probable neutral venue for the tournament and Mohan de Silva said that SLC is ready. 

"If the offer is there to play the tournament in Sri Lanka, we will take it. Pakistan will be the official hosts,” he said.

Pakistan would not play the Asia Cup if hybrid model is rejected: PCB official

However, PCB is against the idea of a neutral venue and has threatened to not take part in the tournament if the ‘hybrid model’ is not accepted.

"The PCB presented a hybrid model that resolves issues of logistics and travel and production. The board reiterated its position that we would not play the Asia Cup if the Pakistan-plus-neutral-venue model is rejected,” a PCB official told ESPNcricinfo.

India and Pakistan share the same group in the Asia Cup 2023 along with Nepal. The tournament will feature 13 matches, including the final which will be played across 13 days just a month (most likely) before the ODI World Cup 2023 in India.