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ACC to convene meeting to consider PCB-proposed hybrid model for Asia Cup

Earlier, PCB chair Najam Sethi forewarned the BCCI sternly that Pakistan will back off from Asia Cup in case of hybrid model's rejection

ACC to convene meeting to consider PCB-proposed hybrid model for Asia Cup PHOTO: ACC

Speculations are rife that Asian Cricket Council (ACC) will most probably call a crucial meeting this week to hold mutual discussions on a hybrid model for hosting Asia Cup 2023, proposed by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Previously, the chairman of PCB, Najam Sethi, gave a straight-up warning of pulling out from Asia Cup 2023 in case the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) doesn't end up affirming the hybrid model. For this very reason, a meeting has been called by ACC, incorporating all members of the council to discuss the hybrid model.

PCB proposed two options in the hybrid model. The first option says that India shall play their respective matches at a neutral venue while all other matches will be played in Pakistan, as originally planned. The second option says that the initial four matches of the group stage in the primary phase of the tournament shall be played in Pakistan. Moreover, the next phase, including matches of India and finals, is to be played at a neutral venue.

There is a larger probability and a higher success ratio for the second option to be locked. In that scenario, Pakistan will play their group stage match against Nepal on home ground. Likewise, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan will also be playing their pool matches in Pakistan.

Keeping in mind that earlier, BCCI refuted the idea of sending their team to Pakistan for this year's Asia Cup and kept on reinstating that the entire tournament should be held at a neutral venue.

On the contrary, PCB is adamant about hosting the event in their territory, at least some part of it; otherwise, it would waive off all the efforts made in order to summon international cricket back to the country.

Pakistan and India are known arch-rivals based on their historical grounds - fans from both ends of the borders anticipate their face-off on the cricket field with eagerness and excitement. However, it's no less than unfortunate that both the national teams haven't played each other on home soil in any format of the game since 2012.