“Ashraf can say whatever he wants”: ACC stands firm on Asia Cup’s hybrid model

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has responded to Zaka Ashraf, the potential incoming chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), regarding his objections to the hybrid model proposed for the Asia Cup. The ACC, the governing body for cricket in Asia, has affirmed its support for the accepted model and dismissed Ashraf's concerns.

According to a board member of the ACC quoted by Hindustan Times, "The Asia Cup model has been accepted by ACC and there would be no change. Ashraf is free to say whatever he wants."

Ashraf, the potential upcoming chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), on Wednesday once again expressed his strong opposition to the hybrid model proposed for the Asia Cup.

"I had already rejected hybrid model for the Asia Cup because I don’t agree with it. It is an injustice to Pakistan. It is not right to hold main matches outside Pakistan. Being the hosts, the complete event should take place at home," Ashraf said while talking to media in Islamabad.

"I don’t know what decision the previous management had taken as I don’t have access to the information regarding it. I will go and see, and will try to take the best decision for the country in the shortest time possible," he further added.

The PCB's management committee, led by Najam Sethi, had proposed the hybrid model for the Asia Cup after India declined to travel to Pakistan. Despite facing various challenges, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) eventually approved the hybrid model. According to this approved model, the first four matches of the tournament will be held in Pakistan, after which the event will shift to Sri Lanka for nine matches, including the final. The tournament is scheduled to take place from August 31 to September 17.