ASIA CUP 2023 – POLITICAL UNREST IN PAKISTAN, WILL BCCI BOYCOTT ASIA CUP 2023
ASIA CUP 2023:
Asia Cup 2023 is the talk of the town, the tournament was supposed to be played in Pakistan but because of objections from BCCI now there are even questions on whether Asia Cup 2023 tournament will be played this year or not.
The biggest news that is in circulation nowadays is just about the future of the Asia Cup 2023, PCB has been trying its best to resolve all the issues and can host the tournament in Pakistan and has even given a hybrid model to counter all the problems as well but the tournament is still under doubt.
BANGLADESH AND SRILANKA TO SUPPORT PCB:
Pakistan Cricket Board has given a new hybrid model to get things back on track for the tournament to happen in Pakistan, the good news here is that the new model which was given by Najam Sethi to all the relevant officials is reportedly accepted by the BANGLADESH and SRILANKA and they have given their support to PCB in this matter which is a good sign for PCB and their efforts for the Asia Cup 2023.
BCCI’S STANCE ON ASIA CUP IN PAKISTAN:
Even though the new model by the PCB is accepted by Bangladesh and Srilanka and they are ready to play but still the biggest problem here is that the Indian Cricket Board is still not giving any positive sign from their side. They want the entire tournament to be shifted out of Pakistan and there is no change in their stance till now, which is not good for PCB and their stance cannot be neglected as well.
PCB’S STANCE ON ASIA CUP IN PAKISTAN:
PCB is also firm on their stance of Asia Cup 2023 to be played in Pakistan and the head of the PCB, Najam Sethi even warned to boycott ICC World Cup 2023 if Asia Cup is moved out of Pakistan but in order to save the Asia Cup 2023 which can be good for all team before the World Cup, PCB has shown some positive signs and they have given some models as well in order to works this out.
FIRST HYBRID MODEL:
The first hybrid model which was proposed by PCB was that Pakistan will host all the games of the tournament except the matches of India which will be played at a neutral venue.
SECOND HYBRID MODEL:
The second hybrid model which was given by the PCB after the rejection is as follows;
- Only 4 matches will be played in Pakistan.
- All teams will come and play one match in Pakistan except Indian Cricket Team.
- All teams will then move to a neutral venue where the rest of the matches will be played.
- FINAL of the Asia Cup 2023 will be held at a neutral venue.
All teams have reportedly accepted the second model which is given by PCB in order to save the Asia Cup 2023 this year but BCCI is still not ready to take a step ahead for the betterment of cricket.
POLITICAL UNREST IN PAKISTAN:
According to media reports, BCCI still want the Asia Cup 2023 to be played out of Pakistan because of the political unrest in Pakistan and players are not safe to go out there and play which can be a main reason that can cause some dent to the efforts of the PCB on this Asia Cup matter.
‘’ WE ARE STILL ON THE SAME STANCE. WE WANT THE TOURNAMENT TO BE SHIFTED OUT ENTIRELY AND THAT IS FOR EVERYONE’S SAFETY CONSIDERING THE POLITICAL TENSION IN PAKISTAN. WE WILL KNOW MORE THIS WEEK WHEN WE MEET OTHER STAKEHOLDERS ‘’, a BCCI official to Indian media.
Things are still now resolved as both boards want the other to step back, they are even ready to sacrifice the Asia Cup 2023 as BCCI has already planned for a five-nation tournament incase Pakistan pulls out of the tournament as PCB indicated, even PCB has contacted other boards for the teams availability in that window to play ODI matches incase Asia Cup gets cancelled. We will find out more after the meeting of higher ACC officials and stakeholders this week.
