Asia Cup in Jeopardy; BCCI Unlikely to Approve PCB's Hybrid Model

image-li8cpx6cRohit and Babar alongside the Asia Cup trophy [Twitter]

In the latest development regarding the Asia Cup 2023, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has demanded a completely neutral venue for the Asia Cup, and have once again rejected PCB's hybrid model, which they had proposed to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).

As per the hybrid model, India will play all their matches outside Pakistan, and even the final, should they qualify for it.

According to a PTI report, the ACC Chairman and BCCI Secretary, Jay Shah has made his stance clear on the PCB model and wants a completely neutral venue for the Asia Cup.

Currently, the representatives from Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka are in India for the IPL final, and a final decision is likely to be made during the ACC meeting. 

As per an ACC board member:

"Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan have already told the PCB that they have no issues playing their games in Pakistan. But India is not keen on supporting the hybrid model. Now, the impasse hasn't been broken and the final decision will only be taken at the ACC executive board meeting that Jay (Shah) will have to summon."

The board member further added: "There has to be a middle of the road solution as you can't put this hybrid model to vote. I mean if there are six nations playing the event, what is the locus standi of the 19 other nations who won't play the tournament? On what basis will they vote when they have no stake?"

Sri Lanka has been proposed as a neutral venue along with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, UAE is not the preferred choice for the teams due to the extreme weather conditions.

India's stance on the Asia Cup can have adverse effect on Pakistan's World Cup participation. The PCB has clearly stated that they might pull out of the 2023 World Cup in India, should the BCCI push for a neutral Asia Cup.