Zaka Ashraf, who is likely to become the next chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has expressed his displeasure with the hybrid host model for the upcoming Asia Cup. However, he has said that he will “honor the commitment” made by his predecessor, Najam Sethi.
The hybrid model means that only four, possibly five, of the tournament’s 13 games will be played in Pakistan. The rest of the games will be played in Sri Lanka.
Ashraf said that he believes Pakistan should have negotiated better to ensure that the entire tournament was played in Pakistan. However, he said that he understands the decision that has been made and that he will not block it.
I Reject The Hybrid Model proposed from Najam Sethi. We will fully host Asia Cup. #AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/jbJ0WLLkJn
— Chaudhry Zaka Ashraf (@IZakaAshraf) June 21, 2023
“I will not block or have any intention not to comply with the decision,” Ashraf said. “I cannot do much about it but to honor the commitment. But going forward, every decision we make will be made for and in the interest of the country.”
The decision to use a hybrid model was made after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said that it would not send its team to Pakistan. The BCCI’s decision was based on security concerns.
Ashraf said that he understands the BCCI’s concerns, but he believes that Pakistan is now a safe country for international cricket. He said that he hopes that the BCCI will reconsider its decision in the future.
The 2023 Men’s Asia Cup is scheduled to be held from August 27 to September 11.
