ISLAMABAD: Original hosts Pakistan will split Asia Cup matches with Sri Lanka under a new “hybrid model,” the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) said on Thursday, clearing the way for Pakistan’s participation in the subsequent 50-overs World Cup in India in October-November.
India had ruled out traveling to Pakistan for the tournament beginning on Aug. 31 because of the soured political relations between the neighbors who play each other only in multi-team tournaments.
In reply, Pakistan had threatened to boycott the ODI World Cup in India if they were made to stage the entire Asia Cup in another country.
The ACC Asia Cup 2023 is now scheduled from August 31 to September 17.
“The tournament will be hosted in a hybrid model with four matches being held in Pakistan, and the remaining nine matches being played in Sri Lanka,” the ACC said in a statement.
“We look forward to welcoming fans from around the world to witness this celebration of cricket at its finest,” the ACC added in the statement.
Najam Sethi, Chair of the Pakistan Cricket Board Management Committee, thanked the Asian Cricket Council for accepting his hybrid model.
“I am elated that our hybrid version for the ACC Asia Cup 2023 has been accepted. This means the PCB will remain as the event host and stage matches in Pakistan with Sri Lanka as the neutral venue, which was required due to the Indian cricket team’s inability to travel to Pakistan,” Sethi said in a statement.
“Our passionate fans would have loved to see the India cricket team in action in Pakistan for the first time in 15 years, but we understand the BCCI’s position. Like the PCB, the BCCI also requires government approval and clearance before crossing borders.”
