Finally putting an end to months of deliberation, the Asian Cricket Council (AAC) announced venues for 2023 season of Asia Cup, confirming that the continental tournament will be played from 31 August to 17 September with Sri Lanka and Pakistan as hosts. Asia Cup 2023's four matches will be played in Pakistan while the remaining games will be hosted by Sri Lanka. PCB were keen to host Asia Cup 2023 and even threatened to boycott ODI World Cup 2023 in India after BCCI's Jay Shah announced that the national team won't arrive in Pakistan. Eventually, PCB came up with a 'hybrid model' which was approved by the ACC earlier this week.
Reacting to ACC's announcement, ex-Pakistan captain Rashid Latif said that the 2023 Asia Cup will be played in a hybrid model because of Jay Shah as he wanted to win and needed recognition. For the unversed, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah is also the president of Asia Cricket Council (ACC).
"This is a typical scenario; Jay Shah wanted to win; he needed recognition for his work, somewhere he wanted the medal for his under-the-belt tactics that he organized some event as he is the ACC President. Moreover, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was also in a critical situation, and they also needed a way to save face and find a solution to overcome their challenges," Latif said on his Youtube channel.
"Both India and Pakistan have been successful in this. The third beneficiary is Sri Lanka, which will host almost the tournament with nine matches. Afghanistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh will receive their respective participating fees, so it will be a very good event for everyone. Pakistan is happy, India is happy, and Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are also delighted."
Pakistan, the hosts of 2025 Champions Trophy, might have to opt for a hybrid model once again in future as team India in all likelihood won't travel to Pakistan for the ICC tournament.