“Decision has been made, so we have to go with it” - Zaka Ashraf clarifies reports of rejecting hybrid model for Asia Cup 2023
Zaka Ashraf, who is likely to become the next Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, has clarified reports that he had rejected the hybrid model for Asia Cup 2023. While admitting that he was unhappy with the arrangement, he confirmed that the PCB will go ahead with the same, as the decision has already been made.
After months of uncertainty over the organisation of the Asia Cup, the Asian Cricket Council headed by BCCI secretary Jay Shah accepted the hybrid model proposed by Najam Sethi, who recently quit as PCB boss. As per the arrangement, matches were to be played in Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
On Wednesday (June 21), there was a new twist in the saga when Ashraf was quoted as saying in media reports that he had ‘rejected’ the hybrid model for Asia Cup 2023. At a press conference, he said:
"In my personal opinion, this whole hybrid model isn't beneficial for Pakistan, and I didn't like it. 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."
Ashraf, though, later issued a clarification to ESPNcricinfo:
"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."
I reject the hybrid model for Asia Cup. It was a right of Pakistan to host the complete #AsiaCup2023 because the Asian Cricket Council gave us hosting rights - Zaka Ashraf
#Cricket | #Pakistan | #ZakaAshraf | #PCB | #India https://t.co/SKkyaJc3fX
Pakistan were scheduled to host Asia Cup 2023, but BCCI made it clear last year that India won’t travel to the neighbouring country. Subsequently, Sethi proposed the hybrid model, which was later approved by the ACC.
“There are many pending issues” - Zaka Ashraf
While Ashraf is yet to officially take over as PCB chief, it's clear that he will replace Sethi after he and Supreme Court lawyer Mustafa Ramday were nominated by the country's prime minister to join the PCB's board of governors.
Speaking of the challenges that lie ahead, Ashraf said that the 2023 World Cup schedule is one of them:
“There are challenges lined up ahead for Pakistan; there are many pending issues; the Asia Cup is there, then the World Cup, the team’s preparations, a lot of issues. I do not want to speak against anyone because I have not (yet) taken over.
“Once I take over, will see what the scenario is. I always take media along. I do not hide anything. We have to work for the betterment of Pakistan. We have a clear conscious,” Ashraf was quoted as saying in a PTI report.
#India has its eye on the target as they prepare to emerge undefeated from the #AsiaCup2023! 🎯
Root for #TeamIndia as they look to conquer Asia!
Watch Asia Cup LIVE from Aug 31-Sep 17, only on Star Sports Network & Disney+ Hotstar.
#AajAsiaKalDuniya https://t.co/12GWogL10Y
As per reports, Pakistan’s ‘demand’ to play World Cup games at a neutral venue is likely to be rejected outright by both the BCCI and ICC.