The ‘Hybrid Model’ suggested by PCB chairman Najam Sethi might be approved by the Asian Cricket Council led by BCCI secretary Jay Shah to hold four non-India Asia Cup games in Pakistan and the other matches in Sri Lanka’s Galle and Pallekele.
Once the Hybrid Model is formally recognised by the ACC on Tuesday, the way would be cleared for the Pakistan squad to go to India for the ODI World Cup, which is planned for October and November. Pakistan may confidently play in Ahmedabad now.
Most nations didn’t want a Hybrid Model, thus Oman Cricket Board Chief Pankaj Khimji, a respected member of the ACC executive board, was tasked with finding a solution.
The Gadaffi Stadium in Lahore, however, will host four matches against teams other than India: Pakistan and Nepal, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, and Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
Under the condition of anonymity, an ACC board member informed PTI that both of the India vs. Pakistan games, as well as the other Super Four Games, will be played at either Pallekele or Galle. Under the condition of anonymity, an ACC board member informed PTI that both of the India vs. Pakistan games, as well as the other Super Four Games, will be played at either Pallekele or Galle.
In September, the Asia Cup will most likely take place. After ICC CEO Geoff Allardice and chairman Greg Barclay met with Sethi in Karachi, it was agreed that Pakistan would not impose any restrictions on its visitors to the World Cup, so long as four games were played there in their capacity as hosts.
There are two guaranteed Indo-Pak games and maybe a third if the two teams reach the final, therefore playing a tournament without Pakistan would have resulted in broadcasters providing half the money agreed for the event.
As a result, the much-anticipated schedule for the ODI World Cup will be revealed early next week, and Pakistan will visit India without any preconditions. In the World Cup, India will most likely face Pakistan in Ahmedabad. Both Chennai and Hyderabad are viable options for hosting Pakistan’s remaining matches. (PTI)
