ISLAMABAD: According to sources, there are no discussions or considerations regarding a proposal to replace the Asia Cup with a five-nation or alternate tournament. The scheduled events are proceeding as planned, and the idea of such a replacement holds no value, as reported by The News on Tuesday.
Sources within the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) strongly denied rumors suggesting that a member country had suggested replacing the Asia Cup with a five-nation or alternate event to be held in the UAE.
The source within the ACC confirmed that Pakistan has the right to host the Asia Cup in September, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has put forward a “hybrid model” proposal that is currently being considered by member countries.
The PCB’s proposal suggests that Pakistan will host their matches on home soil, while India will play at a neutral venue, most likely Dubai.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary, Jay Shah, has already stated that India will not travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup. In response, PCB Management Committee Chairman Najam Sethi proposed the “hybrid model” during the last ACC meeting to retain the cup in Pakistan.
The BCCI wants the entire tournament to be shifted to the UAE, where there are three grounds available in Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi, similar to the arrangement in 2018. An ACC board member recently stated that there have been message exchanges, but no discussions or proposals to postpone the Asia Cup have been put forward.
Najam Sethi confirmed that the PCB is awaiting a response from the BCCI regarding the hybrid model. He emphasized that no ACC country has the authority to make decisions that affect collective benefits, and any significant issues must be discussed in an ACC meeting.
The PCB has assured the highest level of security to India and other participating countries, comparable to the arrangements provided to the New Zealand team. A PCB official pointed out that all Asian countries, except India, have recently traveled to Pakistan for international events. Therefore, there is no reason for any other country to refuse to visit Pakistan for the Asia Cup.
There are several implications to consider. It is asserted that no country, including India, can dictate or monopolize the ACC. Under the ACC umbrella, no Asian country can be denied its right to host the event. Any attempts to deny or plan otherwise would lead to confusion and a bleak future for the ACC, according to a source.
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