Source: Twitter
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is seeking a new Chairman, and the selection process will provide many hurdles to the PCB. Zaka Ashraf, the front-runner for the position of PCB Chairman, has disapproved of the hybrid format chosen by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) for the Asia Cup 2023.
In a stunning declaration made during a news conference on Wednesday, Ashraf suggested that Pakistan should host the multi-nation competition. Ashraf said, “The first point is that I had rejected the hybrid model (for Asia Cup) in the past itself – because I do not agree with it. The board of the Asian Cricket Council had decided that it should be held in Pakistan, then we should host it.”
A member of the ACC Board told PTI that the model has been approved by the ACC and that no adjustments will be made. The Board Member said, “The Asia Cup model has been accepted by ACC and there would be no change. Ashraf is free to say whatever he wants.”
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World Cup challenges
PCB had asked the ICC and BCCI to switch the locations of its World Cup games. PCB requested a venue switch for its matches against Australia and Afghanistan. Afghanistan and Australia will be playing Pakistan in the World Cup in Bengaluru and Chennai, respectively. According to a report, Pakistan’s plea for a change of venues was denied by the ICC and BCCI. The last time Pakistan played a bilateral series in India, Ashraf was the PCB President. The PCB requested a change of locations because they believe they were unfairly treated by the World Cup schedule, which places them in the opposition’s strongholds.
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International Cricket in Pakistan
Australia and England toured Pakistan, bringing international cricket back to the nation. It would have aided their efforts to bring in high-profile international cricket if they had hosted the Asia Cup. Notably, India hasn’t visited Pakistan since the Asia Cup in 2008. The two countries’ last bilateral series which took place in Pakistan, was in 2006.
Future of Pakistan?
The two enormous cricketing boards are poised to collide if Ashraf is chosen for the role of PCB Chairman, which is quite likely. Although Ashraf is not a fan of the hybrid concept for the Asia Cup, it is practically impossible for him to accomplish anything in such a short amount of time. Pakistan is hosting fewer games than Sri Lanka, even in the hybrid format of the event. There are also scheduled high-profile games in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka will also host the lucrative match between the two Asian superpowers and archrivals, India and Pakistan.
Also Read: Does India Need To Look Away From 3 Format Players?
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