Srinagar: Pakistan is likely to pull out of Asia Cup as th Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan have rejected the hybrid model, the report in media has claimed.
According to PTI report, with with no option left, after Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan backed out of their proposed ‘Hybrid Model’, hosts Pakistan may pull out of the Asia Cup in September.
“It is just a formality now that the Asian Cricket Council executive board members meet virtually or a proper meeting is called later this month,” PTI report said.
“But the PCB is now aware that Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan are not backing their hybrid model proposal for the Asia Cup,” said a well-informed source aware of the developments,” report further said.
Quoting sources, report said that PCB chief Najam Sethi was already in touch with his cricket management committee members and also with the relevant government officials to discuss Pakistan’s stance if they do not get to host any matches of the Asia Cup at home.
Sethi has repeatedly said that if the tournament is moved to one neutral country from Pakistan, it will not take part in the competition and the source said it is on the cards that PCB will go for a boycott of the Asia Cup.
“Pakistan only has two options. Play the tourney at neutral venue or withdraw,” report quoted an Asian Cricket Council (ACC) source..
“In case Pakistan doesn’t play, it will still be called Asia Cup but broadcaster will renegotiate the deal in absence of Pakistan.”
Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and India have all taken the stance that it is not logistically or financially feasible to host the Asia Cup in Pakistan and some other country and it should be held in one country i.e Sri Lanka since India can’t travel to Pakistan.
“There is every possibility the Asia Cup might not be held this year because without Pakistan and India matches the broadcasters are not likely to offer the same amount they were offering to the ACC with Pakistan included,” the source said.
