PCB’s likely chairman Zaka Ashraf rejects ‘hybrid model’ for Asia Cup, on collision course with BCCI
Ashraf’s comments may also throw Pakistan’s entry into the World Cup into limbo and it is expected that the BCCI will also play hard and that there would be no middle ground if they went back on what was agreed by members of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). ).
Islamabad/New Delhi, June 21: The likely new chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Zaka Ashraf, has rejected his predecessor Najam Sethi’s much-discussed ‘hybrid model’ for the upcoming Asia Cup to be held in Pakistan and Sri Lanka in September.
“The first point is that in the past I myself had rejected the hybrid model (for the Asia Cup) – because I do not agree with it. The board of the Asian Cricket Council had decided that it would be held in Pakistan, and then we should host it,” Ashraf said at a press conference in the Pakistani capital on Wednesday.
Ashraf’s comments may also throw Pakistan’s entry into the World Cup into limbo and it is expected that the BCCI will also play hard and that there would be no middle ground if they went back on what was agreed by members of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). ).
With the ACC executive body approving the hybrid model, if Ashraf does not change his stance, the Asia Cup can be held without Pakistan as a five-nation tournament.
“The Asia Cup model has been accepted by ACC and there would be no change. Ashraf is free to say what he wants,” an ACC board member told PTI.
Ashraf is one of two nominees for the post of PCB chairman, chosen by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, the patron of the board and the man who has the final say in the nomination. As of now, Ashraf’s appointment is just a formality.
The hybrid model was accepted by the ACC, led by BCCI chief Jay Shah, after India made it clear not to travel to Pakistan due to the prevailing geopolitical situation.
It was decided that four matches will be held in Pakistan with the host nation playing their group match against Nepal and three other matches involving Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan are also scheduled to take place in Lahore.
However, things changed dramatically in the last 48 hours after Sethi announced on Twitter that he is quitting.
“I don’t want to be a bone of contention between Asif Zardari and Shehbaz Sharif. Such instability and uncertainty is not good for PCBs. Under the circumstances, I am not a candidate for PCB presidency. Good luck to all stakeholders,” Sethi had tweeted.
Ashraf, a banker by profession, was previously chairman of the PCB.
During his media interaction, Ashraf said that he doesn’t like the idea of unimportant games being held in their country if they have hosting rights.
“All major matches take place outside (of Pakistan). (Teams like) Nepal and Bhutan will play in Pakistan – which is not fair for Pakistan. I don’t know what the board decided before, I don’t have access to the information.
“I will check that everything that is feasible in the shortest possible time will do for the betterment of Pakistan,” he said.
Ashraf also said that the World Cup issue is yet to be resolved, which could mean that the release of the schedule will be further delayed.
“There are challenges ahead for Pakistan, there are many pending issues, the Asian Cup is there, then the World Cup, the team’s preparations, many issues. I don’t want to speak to anyone because I haven’t taken over (yet)” , said Ashraf, not wanting to say anything about Sethi.
“Once I take over, I will see what the scenario is. I always take media with me, I don’t hide anything. We have to work for the betterment of Pakistan, we have a clear awareness.”
It is clear that Pakistan’s demands to play World Cup matches in a neutral venue will not be accepted by the BCCI or the ICC at all costs, and now Ashraf’s tough stance on the Asia Cup could further spoil relations.
It can be noted that the last time India and Pakistan were involved in a bilateral series in 2012, Ashraf was the PCB chairman.