In a recent press conference held on Wednesday, Zaka Ashraf, the likely chairperson of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), made a surprising revelation. He expressed his reservations regarding the hybrid model proposed for the Asia Cup 2023, a decision recently approved by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
It is noteworthy that Pakistan is set to host a multi-nation cricket tournament for the first time since 2008. Initially, the Asia Cup was scheduled to take place in Pakistan, but due to the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) announcement that Team India would not travel to Pakistan, the hosting was revised. As a result, the ACC designated Pakistan and Sri Lanka as co-hosts for the tournament. The hybrid model of the Asia Cup was later accepted, with the condition that India would only play against Pakistan at a neutral venue, as stated by Jay Shah, the Asian Cricket Council president and BCCI secretary.
During the press conference, Ashraf openly rejected the hybrid model and shared his disapproval, stating, “I had previously rejected the hybrid model for the Asia Cup because I fundamentally disagree with it. If the Asian Cricket Council had decided to hold it in Pakistan, then we should have hosted it.” Ashraf’s stance sets the stage for a potential clash between the PCB and the BCCI if he assumes the presidency of the PCB.
Ashraf’s statement also raises concerns about Pakistan’s participation in the 2023 World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in India. A member of the ACC board responded to Ashraf’s rejection of the hybrid model, stating, “The Asia Cup model has been accepted by the ACC, and there will be no change. Ashraf is free to express his opinions.”
Ashraf is one of the two nominees for the top post in the PCB, having been handpicked by Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. The agency report suggests that Sharif’s appointment as the PCB president is merely a formality. Ashraf expressed his concerns about Pakistan’s cricket schedule, pointing out that the team’s main matches are happening outside of Pakistan while lesser-known teams like Nepal and Bhutan are scheduled to play in Pakistan. He emphasized the need to examine the existing decisions and take necessary actions promptly for the betterment of Pakistan.
According to reports, the PCB’s request to change the venue for a couple of their matches in the ICC World Cup has been rejected by both the BCCI and the ICC. Ashraf, who held the position of PCB chairperson during the last bilateral series between India and Pakistan in 2012, acknowledged the challenges ahead for Pakistan. He mentioned pending issues, the Asia Cup, the World Cup, team preparations, and various other matters. Ashraf assured that once he assumes his role, he will assess the situation and work transparently for the betterment of Pakistan, maintaining an open and inclusive approach with the media.