Reports: BCCI likely to reject PCB’s hybrid model proposal for upcoming Asia Cup

The hosting rights for the Asia Cup have been one of the most discussed topics in recent months. However, despite extensive discussions, there has been no resolution provided for it. After the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) made its stance clear and did not agree to travel to Pakistan due to political tension between the two countries, the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) came up with a hybrid model plan to organise the event.

After several weeks, the PCB proposed a hybrid model for the tournament where four preliminary rounds and two super four games would be held in Pakistan, with India’s games and the final to be held at a neutral venue. However, following the hybrid model’s proposal, several reports emerged that stated that ACC (Asian Cricket Council) chairman and BCCI's secretary Jay Shah was discontented with the same.

Several reports state that the Indian cricket governing body will not be supporting the hybrid model that was put forth by the PCB. Furthermore, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan have reportedly no issues playing their games in Pakistan, but the BCCI’s stand on the matter continues to pose problems.

"Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan have already told the PCB that they have no issues playing their games in Pakistan. But India is not keen on supporting the hybrid model. Now, the impasse hasn't been broken, and the final decision will only be taken at the ACC executive board meeting that Jay (Shah) will have to summon," an ACC board member was quoted as saying by NDTV.

Furthermore, the ACC board member was also asked whether the hybrid model could be put to vote in the upcoming meeting, to which they said, "There has to be a middle of the road solution as you can't put this hybrid model to vote. I mean, if there are six nations playing the event, what is the locus standi of the 19 other nations who won't play the tournament? On what basis will they vote when they have no stake?"

However, the deadlock could be broken in the coming days as the cricket board presidents of Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka will be in India for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 which is scheduled to be played on Monday, May 29.