PCB makes final push for more Asia Cup matches in Pakistan

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Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is keen to make changes to the 2023 Asia Cup schedule. The authorities have adopted a stance in front of the ACC that during the scheduled nine matches in Sri Lanka, there is a possibility of rain during four matches.

To avoid this situation, instead of having four matches, there should be more matches in Pakistan. Other teams, apart from India, will already be present here, so there will be no issues regarding logistics.

PCB is interested in having matches in two cities as well. Up until this point, conversations revolved solely around hosting matches in Lahore. However, a new development has emerged as Multan has now entered the competition. The authorities in charge have expressed their desire to commence the event with a match between Pakistan and Nepal in Multan. They hold the belief that selecting Multan Stadium, which is smaller in size compared to Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, will create a more packed atmosphere for the opening match.

If there is an agreement to increase the number of matches in Pakistan, then a match against either Bangladesh or Afghanistan will also be held in Pakistan.

The head of the PCB management committee, Zaka Ashraf, has initiated initial discussions with Asian cricket officials in Durban, South Africa, regarding this matter. Further deliberations will take place at the ACC meeting in Dubai.

Ashraf and other board officials left Durban for Dubai yesterday. The schedule for the Asia Cup was supposed to be announced on Friday, but due to recent developments, it has been delayed and will be announced after the meeting.

Pakistani officials are hopeful that they will get the opportunity to host more matches. However, if that is not possible, then the previous plan will be implemented.

It should be noted that according to the current schedule, the Asia Cup is set to begin on 31st August, with Pakistan and Nepal, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, and Sri Lanka and Afghanistan matches been scheduled in Pakistan. However, discussions are underway regarding the changes due to possible rainfall.

Sri Lanka has decided to hold all matches in Dambulla instead of Colombo, considering the forecasted rain. However, reports from there are also not satisfying with respect to the weather.

Pakistan and India's teams will face each other twice in Dambulla within a week. If both arch-rivals reach the final, then the third match will also garner attention from cricket fans all over the world.

The responsibilities of broadcasters, team transportation, and other administrative matters have increased in the Asia Cup under the hybrid model.

It should be noted that the head of the PCB management committee, Ashraf, had previously stated that they are not in favor of the hybrid model, but the commitment of previous board officials will be fulfilled.