The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is still hopeful that India will agree to its proposal to host the majority of the 2023 Asia Cup games at a neutral venue. The hybrid model, which was proposed by PCB chairman Najam Sethi, would allow India to play its matches against Pakistan at a neutral venue, such as the United Arab Emirates, while the remaining matches would be played in Pakistan.
Sethi met with the members of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) in the UAE this week to discuss the proposal. India has not played a bilateral series with Pakistan since 2007 due to security concerns. However, Sethi is hopeful that the hybrid model will be a compromise that both countries can agree to.
"Until India is ready to play Pakistan bilaterally and in Pakistan, let's have a hybrid solution," Sethi said. "This is a win-win situation for both countries. India will be able to play Pakistan, and Pakistan will be able to host the Asia Cup."
The Asia Cup is a major cricket tournament that is held every two years. The 2023 Asia Cup is scheduled to be held in Pakistan from September 11 to 28. The tournament will feature six teams: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Nepal.
Sethi believes that the hybrid model could also be used for the 2025 Champions Trophy, which Pakistan is scheduled to host. The Champions Trophy is a one-day international cricket tournament that is held every four years. The 2025 Champions Trophy will feature eight teams: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, England, Australia, and New Zealand.
Najam Sethi, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) management committee, gave a clear message to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on the Asia Cup 2023 matter. pic.twitter.com/wzxpfpkjvC
— Startup Pakistan (@PakStartup) May 14, 2023
Sethi is hopeful that the hybrid model will be accepted by both India and the ACC. He believes that the model is a fair and equitable solution that will allow both countries to compete against each other in major cricket tournaments.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi is concerned about the future of cricket between India and Pakistan. He is worried that the two countries will not be able to compete against each other in major tournaments, such as the World Cup and the Champions Trophy, due to security concerns.
Sethi has proposed a hybrid model for the 2023 Asia Cup, which would allow India to play its matches against Pakistan at a neutral venue, such as the United Arab Emirates. He is even willing to host the final at a neutral venue, even if Pakistan qualifies for it against India or any other nation.
Sethi believes that the hybrid model is the best way to ensure that both India and Pakistan can compete in major cricket tournaments. He is hopeful that ACC president Jay Shah, who is also secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, will accept the proposal and help to keep all the Asian nations united. Sethi said, "I am not threatening anybody. I am trying to be positive and find a way out of this problem. I could have easily said that if India is not going to come and play in Pakistan, we will not play in India, but I tried to find a hybrid model."
Sethi believes that the hybrid model is a win-win solution for both countries. India will be able to play Pakistan, and Pakistan will be able to host the Asia Cup. He is hopeful that the proposal will be accepted by both India and the ACC.
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