PCB’s likely president softens stance after rejecting Asia Cup’s hybrid model

A fresh controversy erupted on Wednesday after Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) likely chairperson Zaka Ashraf openly rejected the hybrid model of Asia Cup 2023 which was recently approved by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).

Ashraf suggested that Pakistan should be hosting the entire tournament themselves. The current setup sees Pakistan and Sri Lanka both hosting the continental tournament. However, Ashraf wasn’t happy seeing the islanders getting the better chunk of games.

However, when Ashraf’s comments became a huge topic of debate among cricket fans on various social media platforms, he softened his stance suggesting that as the decision has already been made, he can’t do anything about it.

“In my personal opinion, this whole hybrid model is not beneficial for Pakistan and I didn’t like it. Being a host, Pakistan should have negotiated better to make sure that the entire tournament should have played in Pakistan. Sri Lanka taking the bigger lot of games, leaving Pakistan with only four games, is not in the best interest of our country,” Ashraf had earlier said in an interview.

However, he softened his stance later and confirmed that he would not attempt to disrupt the existing agreement that has already been reached between the PCB and the Asian Cricket Council.

“But I see the decision has already been made. So we have to go with it. I will not block or have any intention not to comply with the decision. I cannot do much about it but to honour the commitment. But going forward, every decision we make will be made for and in the interest of the country,” said Ashraf.