In an enormous setback to Pakistan, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) on Monday determined to maneuver the Asia Cup in another country after PCB’s proposal to host the match on a ‘hybrid mannequin’ was rejected by the member nations. Sri Lanka has emerged as a frontrunner to host the six-nation match as extraordinarily humid situations within the UAE within the month of September might result in accidents to gamers. It will likely be fascinating to see if Pakistan, after this snub, competes within the match, scheduled to be held from September 2-17.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was pressured to suggest another after BCCI refused to ship the Indian crew to the neighbouring nation as a result of diplomatic rigidity between the 2 international locations. PCB had proposed that India play their video games within the UAE whereas Pakistan host their matches on residence soil.
“Najam Sethi (PCB chairman) was in Dubai today to procure support, but to his horror, there were no takers for his proposal of Pakistan playing its games in Karachi or Lahore and India playing in UAE. Sri Lanka was always with BCCI and now even Bangladesh Cricket Board seemed opposed to the idea,” an ACC supply informed PTI.
“ACC has always maintained that in principle the ‘hybrid model’ is unacceptable and the budgetary sanctions can never be passed.”
“Also, it’s not about Pakistan hosting its own matches. It also means that if India and Pakistan are in same group, the third team will be travelling to and fro between Dubai and a city in Pakistan,” the supply added.
What added gasoline to the hearth is PCB’s current determination to host Pakistan Super League’s matches in UAE as a result of escalated prices of safety preparations.
“Also logistically, the broadcasters wouldn’t want to send separate units in two countries. Sri Lanka, just like UAE doesn’t require inter-city flights whether you play at the Khettarama (Premadasa Stadium), SSC or Galle or Kandy,” he added.
However, the ACC chairman Jay Shah might want to convene an Executive Body assembly to make the choice official.
In the prevailing state of affairs, whether or not Pakistan participates within the occasion or decides in opposition to coming to India for the World Cup stays to be seen.
“Even ICC won’t agree to Pakistan playing its matches outside India (during World Cup). So let’s see what PCB decides,” the supply added.
