The proposed hybrid model for hosting the upcoming Asia Cup in September, put forth by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), is unlikely to be accepted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). According to the Press Trust of India (PTI), the BCCI has expressed its opposition to PCB head Najam Sethi’s suggestion.
The PCB presented two options within the hybrid model. The first option suggests that India plays its matches at a neutral venue while all other matches are held in Pakistan. The second option proposes that four group stage matches take place in Pakistan, with matches involving the Indian team and subsequent stages, including the final, played at a neutral venue.
Discussions on this matter have taken place within the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), led by its president Jay Shah, who also serves as the general secretary of the BCCI. However, a conclusive decision has not been reached yet. Shah has made the BCCI’s stance clear during informal discussions with some ACC members in Ahmedabad.
The final decision regarding the hosting of the Asia Cup will be made by the executive body of the ACC, with a meeting expected to be held soon. While Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Nepal reportedly have no objections to playing their matches in Pakistan, concerns have been raised about the suitability of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the neutral venue. Some individuals believe that the hot weather in the UAE could pose challenges for players and increase the risk of injuries, particularly before the important ICC World Cup scheduled in India in October-November of this year.