By: Staff Writer
Colombo (LNW): In a diplomatic affairs bungling, relations between the Pakistan Cricket Board ( PCB) and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have turned sour after its offer of hosting the entire Asia Cup instead of four games being held in Pakistan as per the ‘Hybrid Model’ proposed by PCB chief Najam Sethi.
As the problems surrounding the upcoming Asia Cup mount, the Pakistan Cricket Board has turned down an offer from Sri Lanka Cricket to play an ODI bilateral series in the island nation, according to a source.
SLC had recently floated an offer to host the Asia Cup after India and Pakistan had refused to play at each other’s home grounds. Reports say that this proposal has upset the Pakistani board.
The ‘Hybrid Model’ proposed by PCB chief Najam Sethi said that India and Pakistan can play each other at a neutral venue while the other games can be played in Pakistan, where it is originally slated to be held., PTI report revealed.
According to reports, Sri Lanka’s offer to hold the entire tournament hasn’t gone down well with Pakistan.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is upset at Sri Lankan board expressing its desire to host the entire Asia Cup and has declined the latter’s offer to play an ODI bilateral series in the island nation.
According to sources in the PCB, relations between the PCB and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have turned sour after its offer of hosting the entire Asia Cup instead of four games being held in Pakistan as per the ‘Hybrid Model’ proposed by Najam Sethi.
“An example of the increasingly strained relations between the two boards emerged after the PCB turned down a proposal by the Lankans to play a few One-Day International matches next month in Sri Lanka,” PCB source stated.
Pakistan is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka in July to play two Tests of the next ICC World Test Championship cycle and apparently the SLC had suggested that Pakistan also play a few ODIs as they are optimistic their team will book a spot from the World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe and would need more exposure before the main event in October.
But a reliable source confirmed that the PCB after initially saying they would consider the proposal had turned it down now.
“It is a clear indication that the PCB is not happy with the Sri Lankan board stepping in to offer to host the Asia Cup in September when it is Pakistan’s turn to host the regional event at home,” the source said.
He said in fact PCB chairman Sethi is also not happy with the response of the Bangladesh and Afghanistan boards over the Asia Cup issue.
The PCB has not responded to Indian media reports that the BCCI and Jay Shah have rejected Sethi’s hybrid model proposal and want the Asia Cup to be held in Sri Lanka.
But insiders say that the PCB is now preparing for some strong decisions regarding the Asia Cup and World Cup if the Indian board does not change its position on the Asia Cup.
