Asia Cup 2023 in trouble again? Incoming Pakistan Cricket Board chief rejects hybrid model

The incoming Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairperson Zaka Ashraf is not in favour of the hybrid model for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023 saying, he had already rejected the idea because it isn't in the best interests of Pakistan.

Zaka Ashraf, 70, is again set to take over as the PCB chief after incumbent chairman Najam Sethi pulled out of the race. Sethi - who doesn't have the backing of the ruling coalition between the Pakistan People's Party and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

Ashraf - who held the PCB office in 2011 - is set to take over as the new boss of Pakistan Cricket once again. The veteran Pakistan executive - who is a member of the ruling PPP and a former president of the Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited - and during a press conference on Wednesday (June 21) claimed it was a right of Pakistan to host the complete Asia Cup 2023.

Ahead of taking over the office of PCB, Ashraf said during a media interaction, "I rejected the hybrid model for Asia Cup. It was a right of Pakistan to host the complete Asia Cup 2023 because Asian Cricket Council gave us hosting rights. All the main matches have been taken away from Pakistan. We will only be hosting matches involving small teams like Nepal, etc. Is an injustice with PCB."

"Once I take over the office (of PCB chairman), I will get more details (as to why such decisions were taken). I promise to do my best in the shortest period what is in the best interests of Pakistan," he added further.

Zaka Ashraf softens his stand on hybrid model

As his personal opinion on the hybrid model started creating buzz, the nominated PCB chief later softened his stand and claimed that since the 'hybrid model' has already been approved, he can't do much to change it.

"But I see the decision has been made, so we have to go with it. I will not block or have any intention not to comply with the decision. I cannot do much about it but to honour the commitment. But going forward, every decision we make will be made for and in the interest of the country," Ashraf said.

After BCCI secretary Jay Shah - who is also the ACC chief - claimed India will not be travelling to Pakistan for Asia Cup 2023 due to estranged bilateral relations between the neighbouring countries, PCB chief Najam Sethi backed the hybrid model.

On June 15, the ACC announced the dates for the upcoming continental tournament, which will be held in the ODI format, in a hybrid model and Sri Lanka Cricket were named the co-host.

The tournament - featuring the top six top teams from Asia competing for the coveted trophy - will begin on August 31 and conclude with the final on September 17. According to the hybrid model that was okayed by the ACC and PCB, Pakistan will host four matches, while Sri Lanka will be hosting nine games.

However, a decision on fixtures and knock-out stages hasn't yet been taken but experts and former cricketers believe Sri Lanka will be hosting the final of the continental showpiece event.