Reports: PCB refuses to play Sri Lanka ODIs after SLC’s proposal to host Asia Cup

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly turn down Sri Lanka’s proposal to play an ODI series after Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) offered to host the 2023 Asia Cup. It is understood that the relations between the two boards have turned sour after SLC first rejected PCB's ‘hybrid model’ and later offered to host the ACC event in the island nation.

With the 2023 ODI World Cup slated to be played in October-November in India, the SLC proposed an ODI series in the build-up to the marquee event. However, following the latest developments around the Asia Cup, the PCB has rejected the proposal due to the strained relations between the boards. 

“An example of the increasingly strained relations between the two boards emerged after the PCB turned down a proposal by the Lankans to play a few One-Day International matches next month in Sri Lanka. It is a clear indication that the PCB is not happy with the Sri Lankan board stepping in to offer to host the Asia Cup in September when it is Pakistan’s turn to host the regional event at home," PCB source was quoted as saying by the Hindu.

Najam Sethi is disappointed at the way things have panned out: PCB source

The source close to the PCB further stated that the chairman Najam Sethi believed that the SLC would help convince the BCCI and other board members to have the hybrid model in place. However, considering SLC’s offer to host the Asia Cup, Sethi is understood to be disappointed with the way things have transpired.

“Sethi expected Sri Lanka with whom Pakistan has long had friendly relations, Bangladesh and Afghanistan to convince the Indian Cricket Board and other Asian Cricket Council board members to go with the proposal put by Sethi and at least play three to four games in Pakistan of the Asia Cup before moving the tournament elsewhere,” the source said.

“He is disappointed at the way things have panned out in recent days specially when some of these board heads went to India for the IPL final and met with the BCCI secretary Jay Shah," the source added.