Incoming PCB Chief Zaka Ashraf Changes Stance On Asia Cup Hybrid Model

Ashraf has now confirmed that he would not disturb the current agreement which has already been arrived between Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the host board.

Ashraf has said that he won't change the current agreement between PCB and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) regarding Asia Cup 2023 and it's hybrid model. ( Image Source :Twitter/@IZakaAshraf )

While it appeared like there would be another round of controversy after the incoming Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Zaka Ashraf rejected the "hybrid model" of the tournament, it seems like the new chief of cricket administration in the country had changed his stance on the tournament. He seemed to suggest in a statement on Wednesday that Pakistan should have ideally hosted the entire tournament by themselves in contrast to the current model which sees Sri Lanka host the bulk of their matches, Ashraf has now reversed his stance.

"In my personal opinion, this whole hybrid model isn't beneficial for Pakistan and I didn't like it," Ashraf was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo. 

"Being a host, Pakistan should have negotiated better to make sure that the entire tournament should have played in Pakistan. Sri Lanka taking the bigger lot of games, leaving Pakistan with only four games, isn't in the best interest of our country," he added.

However, Ashraf has now confirmed that he would not disturb the current agreement which has already been arrived between Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the host board PCB.

"But I see the decision has been made, so we have to go with it. I will not block or have any intention not to comply with the decision. I cannot do much about it but to honour the commitment. But going forward, every decision we make will be made for and in the interest of the country," he said.

Notably, Pakistan are the designated hosts of the tournament but India's stance of not travelling to the country has forced the adoption of a hybrid model which will see four matches happening in Pakistan and the remaining ones being played in Sri Lanka. The matches in the island country include India vs Pakistan as well as the summit clash, in case the Men in Blue manage to secure a place in the titular contest.