The ACC had beforehand introduced a hybrid mannequin for the event, with 4 matches scheduled to be held in Pakistan and 9 in Sri Lanka from August 31 to September 17.This mannequin was proposed to accommodate the Board of Management for Cricket in India (BCCI), which had firmly said its unwillingness to ship its crew to Pakistan as a result of strained relations between the 2 nations.
Nonetheless, the latest appointment of Zaka Ashraf as the brand new PCB cricket committee chief has introduced recent views to the desk. Though he was not in cost when the preliminary Asia Cup dates had been introduced, Ashraf has made it clear to ACC member board officers, in the course of the latest ICC conferences in Durban, that he intends to press for added matches to be allotted to Pakistan.
Sources inside the PCB point out that the board’s stance on the ACC assembly will revolve across the unpredictable climate forecasts for the Sri Lankan venues, that are slated to host 9 matches of the Asia Cup. Pakistan will argue that as a result of potential for rain disruptions in Sri Lanka, they need to be allowed to host greater than the initially allotted 4 matches.
It’s, nevertheless, unlikely that Pakistan can be granted extra matches within the event. Nonetheless, the PCB is optimistic and hopeful that their request can be thought-about favourably.
The ACC board is convening to finalise the match schedule for the Asia Cup, and indications recommend that the extremely anticipated India-Pakistan encounters can be held in Dambulla, Sri Lanka. Nonetheless, Zaka Ashraf is pushing for a broader distribution of matches, which might enable for the utilisation of extra venues resembling Multan, aside from the normal host metropolis of Lahore.
PCB sources reveal that Ashraf and different officers consider that scheduling the opening match between Pakistan and Nepal in Multan, which is anticipated to attract a bigger crowd in comparison with Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, would create a extra vibrant ambiance for the event’s graduation.
The Asia Cup 2023 will characteristic six groups, together with India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Nepal. The event can be divided into two teams, with two groups from every group advancing to the Tremendous 4 stage. The highest two sides from the Tremendous 4 stage will then compete within the last match.
(With inputs from PTI)
