Neutral NEWS's video: Zaka Ashraf PCB s likely chairman rejects hybrid model for Asia Cup 2023

Zaka Ashraf, the potential upcoming chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has expressed his strong opposition to the hybrid model proposed for the Asia Cup since its inception. Ashraf firmly believes that the hybrid model is not advantageous for Pakistan. “I had already rejected hybrid model for the Asia Cup because I don’t agree with it. It is an injustice to Pakistan. It is not right to hold main matches outside Pakistan. Being the hosts, the complete event should take place at home,” Ashraf said while talking to media in Islamabad1. He emphasized that he will review the available information regarding Asia Cup upon assuming charge of PCB and will strive to make the best decision for the country as quickly as possible. “I don’t know what decision the previous management had taken as I don’t have access to the information regarding it. I will go and see, and will try to take the best decision for the country in the shortest time possible,” he further added1. The PCB’s management committee, led by Najam Sethi, had proposed the hybrid model for the Asia Cup after India declined to travel to Pakistan. Despite facing various challenges, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) eventually approved the hybrid model. According to this approved model, the first four matches of the tournament will be held in Pakistan, after which the event will shift to Sri Lanka for nine matches, including the final. The tournament is scheduled to take place from August 31 to September 171. Ashraf’s comments could also put Pakistan’s World Cup participation in a limbo and it is expected that the BCCI will also play hardball and there wouldn’t be any middle ground if they back-track from what was agreed upon by members of Asian Cricket Council (ACC). With the ACC executive body approving the hybrid model, if Ashraf doesn’t change his stand, the Asia Cup could be held without Pakistan as a five-nation tournament2. “The Asia Cup model has been accepted by ACC and there would be no change. Ashraf is free to say whatever he wants,” an ACC board member told PTI2. Ashraf is one of the two nominees for the PCB chairman’s post handpicked by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, who is the patron-in-chief of the board and the man who has the final say in appointment. As of now, Ashraf’s appointment is just a formality2. The hybrid model was accepted by the ACC, headed by BCCI boss Jay Shah, after India made it clear that it won’t travel to Pakistan due to the prevailing geo-political situation. It was decided that four games will be held in Pakistan with the host country playing their group league match against Nepal and three other games involving Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan would also be scheduled in Lahore2. However, things changed dramatically in the last 48 hours after Sethi announced on twitter that he is quitting. “I don’t want to be a bone of contention between Asif Zardari and Shehbaz Sharif. Such instability and uncertainty is not good for PCB. Under the circumstances I am not a candidate for Chairmanship of PCB. Good luck to all stakeholders,” Sethi had tweeted2. Ashraf, a banker by profession, has earlier been the PCB chairman2. During his media interaction, Ashraf said that he doesn’t like the idea of inconsequential games being held in their country when they have got hosting rights2.