I am elated that our hybrid version for the ACC Asia Cup 2023 has been accepted: Najam Sethi

After weeks of discussions and meetings, the ACC (Asian Cricket Council) finally made the decision on the hosting row surrounding Asia Cup 2023. The ACC decided on Thursday, June 15 that the upcoming Asia Cup will be held in a hybrid model and be hosted by both Pakistan and Sri Lanka. 

The tournament will be staged between August 31-September 17. Furthermore, it was also revealed that Lahore will host the first game of the tournament that will be played between Pakistan and Nepal. The competition will move to Sri Lanka, where two India-Pakistan matches could take place. 

With the hybrid model accepted, the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) was elated with the decision, as chairman of the PCB management committee Najam Sethi came forward to give his take on the same.

"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," Najam Sethi was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times. 

"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," he added.

I appreciate the efforts of ACC President Jay Shah to strengthen the council: Sethi

Furthermore, Sethi also thanked BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) and Sri Lanka Cricket for their support in the decision-making and even thanked the ACC president, Jay Shah, for strengthening the council. 

"I now look forward to continuing our discussions and deliberations with the ACC and Sri Lanka Cricket to iron out a few minor operational and logistical details so that we can launch our event planning and preparations," Sethi said.

"I appreciate the efforts of ACC President Jay Shah to strengthen the council so that we can collectively continue to protect each other’s interests and also provide opportunities and platforms to emerging Asian nations," he added.