ISLAMABAD: The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) accepted Najam Sethi’s hybrid plan to host September’s Asia Cup, jolting Pakistan-India’s month-long hostility.
Najam Sethi proposed to the ACC that Pakistan host four to six Asia Cup matches. While, India plays its matches on a neutral venue that also hosts other matches.
The ACC told The News from India that it had accepted Sethi’s hybrid approach in principle without limitations.
Pakistan’s participation in the October World Cup in India, which requires government sanction, was unrestricted.
The source said: “The ACC has accepted Najam’s Sethi hybrid model proposal to host the Asia Cup allotted to Pakistan. In this hybrid arrangement, Pakistan will host four to six matches at a venue to determined within Pakistan, while India would play on a neutral venue.
Moreover, Within weeks, the ACC will reveal its decision. Sethi’s plan calls for ACC member countries to coordinate to choose a neutral venue for India’s matches. Even when choosing a neutral setting, finances will come first.”
While, If India or other ACC member countries want Sri Lanka as a neutral location, Pakistan as a host country will get two or three Pakistan-India matches.
Moreover, These must exceed what India Board gained by hosting the 2022 Asia Cup matches between the two countries. The two nations’ matches generated almost half a million dollars.
The source confirmed that the PCB will agree to Sri Lanka as a neutral venue for the remaining matches if the ACC guarantees that sum. The News exclusively reported that the ACC’s reaction would be communicated with all Boards within days.
The insider claimed the ACC meeting will finalise all the specifics.
