The Sri Lankan board’s declaration that it wants to host the whole Asia Cup 2023 has angered the Pakistan Cricket Board. The PCB has reportedly now rejected the latter’s offer to play an ODI bilateral series in the island nation.
PTI sources within the PCB claim that the ‘Hybrid Model’ put forth by Najam Sethi, which called for four games to be conducted in Pakistan has been ignored by Sri Lank Cricket. And then the plan to host of the entire Asia Cup 2023 by SLC, had caused a deterioration in ties between the two organisations.
“An example of the increasingly strained relations between the two boards emerged after the PCB turned down a proposal by the Lankans to play a few One-Day International matches next month in Sri Lanka,” PCB source stated to PTI.
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Asia Cup 2023 Betrayal
Pakistan is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka in July to play two Tests of the next ICC World Test Championship cycle. The SLC reportedly suggested that Pakistan also play a few ODIs as they are hopeful their team will book a spot from the World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe and would need more exposure before the main event in October.
But a trustworthy source stated that the PCB has now rejected the plan after first suggesting they would explore it.
“It is a clear indication that the PCB is not happy with the Sri Lankan board stepping in to offer to host the Asia Cup in September when it is Pakistan’s turn to host the regional event at home,” the source stated.
PCB also angry with BCB and ACB
In reality, the source claimed, PCB Chairman Sethi is also dissatisfied with Bangladesh’s and Afghanistan’s boards’ responses to the Asia Cup issue.
“Sethi expected Sri Lanka with whom Pakistan has long had friendly relations, Bangladesh and Afghanistan to convince the Indian Cricket Board and other Asian Cricket Council board members to go with the proposal put by Sethi and at least play three to four games in Pakistan of the Asia Cup before moving the tournament elsewhere.”
“He is disappointed at the way things have panned out in recent days specially when some of these board heads went to India for the IPL final and met with the BCCi secretary Jay Shah,” the source added.
The BCCI and Jay Shah reportedly rejected Sethi’s hybrid model plan and wanted the Asia Cup to be staged in Sri Lanka, according to Indian media reports, although the PCB hasn’t commented on the reports.
However, if the Indian board does not alter its stance on the Asia Cup, insiders claim that the PCB is currently prepared for some harsh decisions on the Asia Cup and World Cup.
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