BCCI Secretary comes with a response over comments made by Najam Sethi(Ex-PCB head) regarding the venue for the Asia Cup 2023. Sethi alleged Jay Shah was illogically giving matches to Sri-Lanka despite rain threat.
Former PCB chief, Najam Sethi proposed the hybrid model for Asia Cup. In which 4 matches to be played in Pakistan and rest in UAE. However, ACC President rejected UAE, instead suggested Sri-Lanka as a venue.
Shah, in a statement, Clarified the decision-making process behind hosting the Asia Cup. In the island nation instead of UAE. He highlighted the differences between the T20 format of the 2022 Asia Cup and the 50-over One-day format of the currently going tournament.
ACC President said,
“The Asia Cup 2022 edition, played in the UAE in the T20 format and It’s important to emphasize that the dynamics of a T20 tournament cannot be directly compared to those of a 100-over One-day format,”
Jay Shah confirmed involvement of all stakeholders in decision-making
ACC President also told in his statement, that it was a mutually agreed decision.
“All the full members, media rights holder, and in-stadia rights holders. Initially hesitant to commit to hosting the entire tournament in Pakistan. This reluctance stemmed from concerns related to the security and economic situation prevailing in the country,”
“In my capacity as ACC President, committed to finding a viable and mutually agreeable solution. To this end, I had accepted the hybrid model. Proposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in collaboration with the ACC management. However, it’s important to note that the leadership of the PCB underwent several changes, and this resulted in some back-and-forth negotiations, particularly regarding crucial aspects such as tax exemption and insurance for matches“
However, now it’s official, Colombo to host remaining Super 4 games and the final. All the fans would be hoping that rain-threat stays away. So, we can have full games in the Asia Cup.
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