KATHMANDU, JUNE 07
It has been claimed that Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh have formally rejected the hybrid model proposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the Asia Cup ODI cricket tournament. This has further undermined Pakistan's efforts to host the tournament in its own country.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), and Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) have written a letter formally rejecting the hybrid model of hosting four matches in Pakistan and the rest in the UAE.
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has said, "India and three countries have rejected the hybrid model for the Asia Cup, and have agreed that it should be held at the same venue." Speaking to Cricbuzz, he said, "I have information from independent sources that four countries have rejected the model and it is now a formality that the Asia Cup will be shifted out of Pakistan." He believed that Pakistan would play the tournament. "I think Pakistan should play and will play."
Earlier, Pakistan had warned that they would not play the ODI World Cup in India along with the Asia Cup if the tournament is not held in their country. After India announced that it would not visit Pakistan, a controversy started over the host of the Asia Cup scheduled in Pakistan. Along with this, Pakistan proposed to play India's match in the UAE.
If the Asia Cup cannot be held in Pakistan, there is a possibility that Sri Lanka will host it.
The Asia Cup row is of concern to Nepal as well as the Nepali Cricket team has earned a berth in the Asia Cup after winning the earlier held ICC Premier Cup.
Earlier, Nepal had qualified for the Asia Cup where they will be grouped with India and Pakistan in Group A. Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan are in Group B of the event slated.
READ MORE: Nepal scripts history; earns berth in Asia Cup as ACC Premier Cup champions
