Ashraf, who seems to be set to turn into new PCB chief, needs the occasion to return to Pakistan as sole hosts.
The way forward for cricket’s Asia Cup 2023 version seems to be shaky as soon as once more after Zaka Ashraf, who seems to be set to turn into the subsequent chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), stated he doesn’t approve of the hybrid mannequin that shall be used for this yr’s version, labelling it an “injustice”.
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) accepted Pakistan’s proposal for a hybrid model of the Asia Cup after India refused to tour resulting from strained relations between the 2 South Asian nations.
Underneath the plan, Pakistan is ready to host 4 video games and the remaining 9 shall be performed in Sri Lanka.
Nevertheless, talking to the media within the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, on Wednesday, Ashraf stated he had “rejected the hybrid mannequin [for Asia Cup] up to now itself as a result of I don’t agree with it”.
He highlighted the truth that “solely minor groups like Nepal will play in Pakistan”, whereas “main matches” shall be performed in Sri Lanka.
“The whole occasion [Asia Cup] ought to happen in Pakistan,” he stated.
“I don’t know what resolution the earlier administration took as I don’t have entry to the knowledge concerning it. I’ll go and see, and attempt to do what’s in the perfect curiosity of Pakistan throughout the shortest attainable time.”
Hybrid format amid fears of boycott
Pakistan is the official host of the match, set to happen from August 31 to September 17 this yr, but it surely opted for a hybrid format after India refused to play within the nation resulting from strained relations.
India and Pakistan are bitter political rivals, and the nuclear-armed nations have fought three wars since gaining independence from British rule in 1947.
The 2 nations haven’t performed a bilateral collection in opposition to one another on residence soil since 2012, locking horns in worldwide tournaments on impartial grounds.
The PCB had threatened to boycott the World Cup, which is because of happen in India in October and November this yr if India refused to play in Pakistan.
The hybrid format was authorized by the PCB interim administration committee beneath its chief Najam Sethi, additionally a former PCB chairman.
Nevertheless, Sethi won’t be a contender for the chairman place, with Ashraf being one of many two nominations put ahead to the board of governors.
Pakistan, India and Nepal are positioned in Group A, and Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are in Group B.
The highest two groups in every go to the Tremendous 4, and the highest two play the ultimate, which is ready to be performed in Sri Lanka.
An ACC member, in response to Ashraf’s feedback, stated: “The Asia Cup mannequin has been accepted by the ACC and there could be no change. Ashraf is free to say no matter he needs.”