The incoming Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairperson Zaka
Ashraf is not in favour of the hybrid model for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023 saying,
he had already rejected the idea because it isn't in the best interests of
Pakistan.
Zaka Ashraf, 70, is again set to take over as the PCB chief
after incumbent chairman Najam Sethi pulled out of the race. Sethi - who
doesn't have the backing of the ruling coalition between the Pakistan People's
Party and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
Ashraf - who held the PCB office in 2011 - is set
to take over as the new boss of Pakistan Cricket once again. The veteran
Pakistan executive - who is a member of the ruling PPP and a former president
of the Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited - and during a press conference on
Wednesday (June 21) claimed it was a right of Pakistan to host the complete
Asia Cup 2023.
"Once I take over the office (of PCB chairman), I will
get more details (as to why such decisions were taken). I promise to do my best
in the shortest period what is in the best interests of Pakistan," he
added further.
After BCCI secretary Jay Shah - who is also the ACC chief - claimed India will not be travelling to Pakistan for Asia Cup 2023 due to estranged bilateral relations between the neighbouring countries, PCB chief Najam Sethi backed the hybrid model. On June 15, the ACC announced the dates for the upcoming continental tournament, which will be held in the ODI format, in a hybrid model and Sri Lanka Cricket were named the co-host.
The tournament - featuring the top six top teams from Asia
competing for the coveted trophy - will begin on August 31 and conclude with
the final on September 17. According to the hybrid model that was okayed by the
ACC and PCB, Pakistan will host four matches, while Sri Lanka will be hosting
nine games. However, decision on fixtures and knock-out stages hasn't yet been
taken but experts and former cricketers believe Sri Lanka will be hosting the
final of the continental showpiece event.