Reports indicate that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is contemplating the possibility of not participating in the upcoming Asia Cup, scheduled to take place in September this year.
The decision stems from the fact that Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan have expressed their disagreement with the PCB’s proposed hybrid model for the tournament. Being the host nation for the Asia Cup, the PCB now faces two options: either organizing the event at a neutral venue or completely withdrawing from the tournament.
Sources familiar with the matter anticipate that the executive board members of the Asian Cricket Council will convene either through a virtual meeting or in-person later this month to discuss the situation in detail.
It is noteworthy that Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan have voiced their opposition to the PCB’s hybrid model proposal, which suggests playing some matches in Pakistan and the remainder at a neutral venue.
Additionally, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has declined to send their team to Pakistan for the Asia Cup and prefers the tournament to be hosted at a neutral venue. However, the PCB is reluctant to move the event outside of Pakistan as it could hinder their efforts to revive international cricket in the country. The BCCI is also unlikely to accept the PCB’s proposed hybrid model, further complicating the situation.