Cricket News

Najam Sethi reacts to the hybrid model being approved for Asia Cup 2023, thanks Jay Shah for support

After a lot of hard lobbying, all matters relating to the Asia Cup 2023 were resolved as the tournament dates were announced on Thursday. Pakistan got its wish as the hybrid model will be followed. In accordance with it, Pakistan will host four matches which will all be non-India games. The remaining nine fixtures will be played in Sri Lanka. The tournament will be played between August 31 to September 17.

As per reports, Pakistan will host the opening game in the first round, which will take place against Nepal. The three games which will take place in the other group namely, Bangladesh vs Afghanistan, Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh will take place in Lahore. The first four games will be played in Pakistan before the tournament moves to Sri Lanka for the remainder. India and Pakistan could potentially play each other thrice.

I would look to have continued discussions with ACC in relation to logistics -Najam Sethi

“I am elated that our hybrid version for the ACC Asia Cup 2023 has been accepted. This means the PCB will remain as the event host and stage matches in Pakistan with Sri Lanka as the neutral venue, which was required due to the Indian cricket team’s inability to travel to Pakistan,” Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi said. “I appreciate the efforts of ACC President Jay Shah to strengthen the council so that we can collectively continue to protect each other’s interests and also provide opportunities and platforms to emerging Asian nations,” Sethi added.

Sethi also said Pakistan will pull out all the stops to ensure that the teams have a smooth stay in Pakistan. Pakistan will be hosting a multilateral event for the first time in some time. The Men in Green are also in the fray as hosts for the Champions Trophy in 2025. “I now look forward to continuing our discussions and deliberations with the ACC and Sri Lanka Cricket to iron out a few minor operational and logistical details so that we can launch our event planning and preparations,” Sethi reiterated.