PCB Finalizes Two Venues for Asia Cup’s Hybrid Model Amidst Pakistan-India Deadlock. In light of the ongoing deadlock between Pakistan and India regarding the Asia Cup 2023, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reached a decision by finalizing two venues for the tournament’s hybrid model, as reported by Geo News based on insider information.

According to the sources, the initial phase of the tournament will witness four matches taking place at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, while the remainder of the tournament will be held at the Dubai International Stadium. The PCB is confid🅷ent that hosting more matches in Dubai will result in increased ticket sales compared to Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.

It is important to note that the Board of Control for Cric🅷ket in India (BCCI) has declined to send their team to Pakistan for the Asia Cup✨ and is adamant about hosting the event at a neutral venue.

However, the PCB is not inclined towards hosting the tournament outside Pakistan as it could hinder their efforts to bring int☂ernational cricket back to the country.

In an attempt to find a resolution, the PCB has proposed a hyb🍬rid model with two options. The first option entails India playing their matches at a neutral venue, while all other matches will be held in Pakistan. Alternative Option Presented for Asia Cup: Matches Split Between Pakistan and Neutral Venue.

In an alternative option put forward by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the group stage matches of the Asia Cup’s first phase will be divided between Pakistan and a neutral venue. This arrangement would see four matches played in Pakistan, while the second phase, comprising matches involving the Indian team and the subsequent stages, including the final, would take place at a neutral venue.
The chairman of the PCB Management Committee, Najam Sethi, has emphasized the need for a rational approach to resolve the impending crisis, which poses a threat to the successful hosting of the Asia Cup and Pakistan’s participation in the ODI World Cup later this year.
Speaking at a media briefing during the National Assembly Standing Committee on Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) meeting, Sethi expressed doubts about the Pakistan team’s ability to travel to India for the ODI World Cup.

“If India refuses to come to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, it is likely that the Pakistan government will not permit the Men in Green to cross the border for their World Cup participation. In such a scenario, cricket will be the ultimate casualty,” Sethi stated.
He further added, “There should be a middle ground to resolve these issues that pose a significant threat to the smooth hosting of ICC and ACC events. If India declines to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, the government will not allow us to travel to India for the World Cup matches.”

The PCB is actively seeking a viable solution to ensure the successful conduct of both tournaments while maintaining the integrity and participation of all teams involved.