Reports: PCB ready to sacrifice Asia Cup as BCCI prepares for five-nation tournament

The hosting of the Asia Cup has been a heavily discussed topic in recent weeks, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) remaining firm in their positions. With Pakistan scheduled to host the Asia Cup in September 2023, the hybrid model of the tournament where the Indian team would play their matches outside of Pakistan has reportedly been rejected as well.

There have been many sources that suggest that if the PCB stays firm on the plan of the hybrid model, then the Asia Cup could potentially not take place in 2023. The idea of holding the event in another country has been entirely rejected by the PCB, as Sri Lanka also reportedly wanted to host the event, with the UAE being a potential candidate as well.

The PCB's rejection of every other alternative other than hosting the tournament at home came as the board opined that if the issue was not resolved now, then it could cause issues when they host the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. Many sources also revealed that a major decision on the Asia Cup row could be expected soon.

Notably, two weeks ago, Jay Shah said that the council has been waiting for inputs from respective participating countries in order to reach a final decision regarding the venue for the Asia Cup.

“We are awaiting feedback from other nations to finalise the venue for the 2023 Asia Cup and clarity on the India-Pakistan match," Shah was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan.

BCCI reportedly looking to plan a five-nation tournament

On the other hand, the BCCI is also prepared for the potential cancellation of the Asia Cup. The board has reportedly been planning for a brand new five-nation tournament that could take place in the window that would be vacated by the Asia Cup, given that it is cancelled in the future.

The idea of the hybrid model of the tournament that was put forth by the PCB looked to be the solution to the discord between both boards. However, the same does not seem to be the case anymore. With the BCCI secretary, Jay Shah, reportedly showing interest in the model when it was first introduced, he seems to have now opposed it.

With PCB worrying over the public reaction to the Asia Cup’s cancellation, it could hinder their plans for the upcoming ODI World Cup as well, which is scheduled for the later stages of 2023.