PSL given us financial impetus, absence from World Cup won’t hurt us: Sethi

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has provided financial impetus to Pakistan cricket and it's team's absence from the 2023 World Cup will not massively affect the board's finances, said PCB chief, Najam Sethi. 

Speaking to the media in Islamabad, Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) management committee, Sethi, has expressed his concerns that if India refused to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, the Pakistan government might not allow the national side to participate in the World Cup 2023.

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“In case of India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan to compete in the Asia Cup, chances are there that the Pakistan government would not allow the Men in Green to cross the borders for their World Cup participation. In that case, cricket will be the ultimate sufferer,” Sethi said.

Sethi suggests a novel solution to the Indo-Pak cricket impasse. A hybrid model allowing India to play matches at neutral venues, ensuring smooth ICC and ACC event hosting.

“There should be a middle way to solve problems that ensure the smooth hosting of ICC and ACC events. In case of India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, the government might not allow us to travel to India to figure in the World Cup matches,” he added.

He emphasized that the PSL has played a vital role in stabilizing Pakistan's cricket finances and dismissed the notion that PCB would suffer massive financial loss in case of their absence from 2023 World Cup.

“The PSL has given us financial imputes and has made us stand sound financially. If there are any financial losses, it will be for both the boards,” he said.

“We have already floated the idea of a hybrid model to the ACC member countries whereby India should be allowed to play their matches at neutral venue of their choice. When it comes to Pakistan's participation in the 2023 ODI World Cup, we might follow the same pattern,” he concluded.

The ICC World Cup is scheduled to be held in India in October-November 2023.