It seems that the long-standing dispute regarding Asia Cup 2023 is finally resolved between a few boards. Predominantly, the likes of India and Pakistan boards were having a disagreement over the venue of the tournament. Last year, the Indian board didn’t want to play in Pakistan due to non-permission from the government and security issues. Late last year, the Men In Blue was offered a neutral venue in the form of UAE.
However, last month, not just India but also Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan Cricket Boards objected to the venue. Apparently, they feel that they don’t want to risk an injury to their players due to the heat in the middle east. On the other hand, SLC offered to host the tournament entirely if needed be. However, it seems that the Asian Cricket Council has accepted the hybrid model.
Notably, Pakistan will get to host four games while nine games, some of them involving India will be played in Sri Lanka. It can be considered a win-win situation for the trio of Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka. The fans have also had their say on the matter.
As if they have any other option ??
— Shahzeb Khan (@theshahzebkhan) June 10, 2023
Don't play Asia Cup ?
— Ahmad Hassan Bobak (@ahmad_bobak) June 10, 2023
This is good for cricket
— ????? ?????? ???? (@ishq712) June 10, 2023
Aryy bhaijan ye kya ho gya pic.twitter.com/sqhVvDBg9n
— Dhoni Popa (@DhoniPopa) June 10, 2023
Pakistan owns India ?
BCCI has bowed down infront of PCB. ?@StrawHatLuffy7x ?
— Hassan Nawaz (@iam_hussy) June 10, 2023
— Sanket (@SanketS64861430) June 10, 2023
Pakistan owns India ?
BCCI has bowed down infront of PCB. ?
— Straw Hat Jutt ? ?? (@StrawHatLuffy7x) June 10, 2023
4 matches but obviously no India vs Pakistan in Pakistan ? ngl but if it ain’t for the security thing and political issues , I’d like my guy kohli playing in rawalpindi pitches and statpadding ? but it’s gonna be a dream forever
— davidmiller10 (@sammm_010) June 11, 2023
India: Snatched more than half match from Pakistan
Pakistan: Still visiting India ??— Anubhav K??? (@Anubhav_Memerz) June 10, 2023
Ye kya hogya Bhai Jaan ??? pic.twitter.com/PtJD5m9S1t
— Ravindra Choudhary (#jaat) (@RavindraCh23708) June 10, 2023
We had to abandon Asia Cup: Najam Sethi
Meanwhile, a recent while back, PCB chairperson, Najam Sethi had said that if the Hybrid model wasn’t accepted, the board would have abandoned the continental tournament. He added that the board was looking to ask the Apex Council for a neutral venue for ODI World Cup too. Notably, Pakistan will still travel to India for the ODI World Cup
“The situation is that India has refused to come. We had to abandon the Asia Cup. What do you want us to do? I will have floated by then the same formula to the Apex Council. My sense is that the World Cricket Governing Council is not as rigidly opposed to the hybrid model. They are waiting to see how it will work out in the Asia Cup. I can’t say more than this but I think that’s the factual position,” Najam Sethi said.
