In a significant development, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has shown signs of flexibility regarding the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) proposal for a hybrid model for the upcoming Asia Cup. While India had initially insisted on moving all matches to neutral venues, they have now conditioned their approval on Pakistan’s commitment to visit India for the World Cup 2023 in October.
Various Asian nations, including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan, have already been convinced by the PCB’s suggestion of holding matches at neutral venues. However, India’s support for the hybrid model hinges on Pakistan’s assurance of participation in the World Cup.
Media reports indicate that the BCCI is prepared to adopt a more accommodating approach, but an official decision will only be made after the Special General Meeting (SGM) scheduled for May 27.
India’s cricket board had previously been resolute in their stance to relocate the entire Asia Cup away from Pakistan, proposing all matches to be played at neutral venues. However, in response to Pakistan’s threat of boycotting the World Cup, the BCCI has reconsidered its position.
During the upcoming SGM in Ahmedabad, it is highly likely that the BCCI will accept Pakistan’s proposal and agree to the hybrid model.
Najam Sethi, Chairman of the PCB Management Committee, had previously issued a warning stating that if Jay Shah, the Asian Cricket Council chief and BCCI secretary, did not approve Pakistan’s partial hosting status, Pakistan would not participate in the World Cup.
“The situation is such that India has refused to participate. Consequently, we had to abandon the Asia Cup. What options are we left with? I will present the same proposal to the ICC. I believe the ICC is not as rigidly opposed to the hybrid model, and they are waiting to observe its implementation in the Asia Cup,” Sethi explained. He expressed his inability to disclose further details but confirmed that his statement reflected the factual situation.