Pakistan might not participate in the upcoming Asia Cup as PCB's hybrid model is set to be rejected. Sri Lanka who threw their hat in the ring to host the Asia Cup on a short notice a few days ago are likely to get the hosting rights for the competition. According to report in Telegraph India, ACC Chairman Jay Shah made it clear to the other country boards that they will not be following the hybrid model proposed by PCB Chairman Najam Sethi.
Moreover, the other boards have also agreed to play in Sri Lanka and the same will be conveyed to Pakistan at the next Executive Board Meeting of the ACC. The decision could have serious ramifications as Pakistan can threaten to pull out of the tournament entirely. This will also affect their participation in the upcoming 50-over World Cup in India.
PCB Chairman Najam Sethi had clearly stated that if the hybrid model is rejected, they will pull out of the Asia Cup. Moreover, he had also cleared that Pakistan will not travel to India for the World Cup if the Men in Blue are not returning the favour. Meanwhile, ICC Chairman Greg Barclay and CEO Geoff Alardice have travelled to Pakistan to seek assurances from PCB over their participation in the ODI World Cup.
Coming back to Asia Cup, if Pakistan pulls out of the tournament, then only India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Nepal will be contesting. While nothing is official yet, it remains to be seen if Asian Cricket Council and PCB sort out the issue at the earliest so that the much awaited India vs Pakistan take place after a long gap in the ODI format.
