The long-standing dispute surrounding the hosting of the Asia Cup 2023 has finally been resolved with the acceptance of a hybrid model proposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). After successfully delivering the six-team ACC Asia Cup 50-over tournament in 2008, Pakistan will once again stage matches of a multi-nation cricket tournament.
Asia Cup 2023 : Hybrid Model Prevails Amidst Strong Opposition
Despite facing strong opposition from India, the Asia Cup 2023 will proceed with a hybrid model. Four matches will be held in Pakistan, while the remaining nine matches will take place in Sri Lanka. This decision comes after the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) inflexibility, which had caused controversy surrounding the tournament.
Asia Cup 2023 : ACC Unveils Schedule for Exciting Tournament
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has announced its decision to accept the PCB’s hybrid model and has unveiled the schedule for the highly anticipated Asia Cup 2023. The tournament will take place from 31st August to 17th September 2023 and will feature elite teams from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Nepal, competing in a total of 13 matches.
Asia Cup 2023 : Gratitude Expressed for Hybrid Model Acceptance
Najam Sethi, Chairperson of the PCB Management Committee, has expressed gratitude to the ACC for accepting the hybrid model. He emphasizes the significance of the decision, allowing Pakistan to retain its position as the event host and stage matches in the country, while Sri Lanka serves as the neutral venue due to the Indian cricket team’s inability to travel to Pakistan. Sethi acknowledges the BCCI’s position and the necessity for government approval and clearance when crossing borders.
Asia Cup 2023 : Format and Preparation
The Asia Cup 2023 will feature two groups, with two teams from each group advancing to the Super Four stage. The top two teams from the Super Four stage will compete in the final match. This 50-over event will also serve as preparation for the upcoming ODI World Cup later this year.
Historical Context: India-Pakistan Relations
The strained relations between India and Pakistan have resulted in limited cricketing encounters between the two countries. India has not toured Pakistan since 2008, and the last bilateral series occurred in 2012 when Pakistan visited India for limited-overs matches. In recent years, the arch-rivals have only faced each other in ICC and ACC events. The hybrid model proposed by the PCB was a response to the BCCI’s refusal to send their team to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, considering the current circumstances and government regulations.
(Islamabad51-Newsdesk)
