Asia Cup 2023: Former India Cricketer Unsurprised By Hybrid Model, Feels Final Could Be Played In Sri Lanka

Former India cricketer turned commentator Aakash Chopra is unsurprised with the boards accepting the hybrid model of Pakistan and Sri Lanka hosting the upcoming Asia Cup 2023 and also expects the final to be held in Lanka.

With India unwilling to travel to Pakistan due to security concerns, there was talk of the tournament being moved to UAE, but after a lot of discussion among the boards, Pakistan, who threatened to pull out, were allowed to host part of tournament.

Chopra explained why UAE was not picked as the host and also believes the final of the Asia Cup 2023 could be played in Sri Lanka as Pakistan are "only the partial host" now.

"UAE (as venue) wasn't selected because of the heat, especially since the tournament will be played in 50-over format. Last year too Asia Cup was held here but then it was in T20 format and the matches started in the evenings," Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.

"I am assuming without a doubt that the final will be played in Sri Lanka. Hosting rights remain with Pakistan. However, you are only a partial host. I am not a wee bit surprised (with the hybrid model) because India said no to traveling to Pakistan."

The former India opener also added that Pakistan will undoubtedly come to India for the ODI World Cup later this year and feels an Asia Cup without the arch-rivals would be dull.

"There's no doubt that Pakistan will come to India for the World Cup as well because you cannot say not to playing in ICC events. You may flex muscle in Asia Cup though.

"Without Pakistan, Asia Cup is like pizza without topping, tea without sugar. It won't be the same. I hope this ends the debate," Chopra added.

Chopra also revealed BCCI is the only board that never takes its share of revenue from the Asia Cup and instead gives it to those members where cricket development is needed.

"In the history of Asia Cup, BCCI has never taken its share from the tournament/ They never even touch it. Instead, BCCI ends up handing over their share to other countries where cricket development is required," Chopra said.

"BCCI is quite wealthy and they are happy to be the elder brother. Therefore, they don't ask for their share. No other country be it Pakistan, Sri Lanka or Bangladesh does that. Only BCCI ends up giving up their share."