As soon as the news of Pakistan being granted the hosting rights for Asia Cup 2023 was announced an air of excitement began to develop across the country. No sooner than later it got plagued with rumours and various controversies all arising from the direction of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Among many suggestions and ideas to neutralize the situation, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) presented a hybrid model, which was recently approved by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). But what is this hybrid model and is it actually a win for Pakistan as PCB claims?
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The Hybrid Model
When the BCCI kept on threatening PCB with either a complete shift of the tournament or event abandonment by team India, the cricket board decided to take action. Chairman PCB, Najam Sethi after much contemplation came up with a hybrid model and coupled it with a counter-threat of withdrawing from the Cricket World Cup 2023 due to take place in India.
According to the hybrid model that gained acceptance by the ACC, the mega event will feature 13 matches divided into two phases. The first phase will see Pakistan host four matches while Sri Lanka will stage the remaining nine games.
The 50-over event will commence on 31st August in Pakistan. Four out of six teams will qualify for the super four stages of which two will progress to the final all set to be played in Sri Lanka on 17th September
Is the model a win for Pakistan?
While acceptance of this two-phased tournament is being widely celebrated as a win for Pakistan. The fact that Pakistan will host an international tournament after so many years is indeed something to be applauded. It will wash away every claim that deems Pakistan unsuitable for hosting events and will be a stepping stone to housing future international events.
It’s a win for Pakistan definitely but not exactly to the extent the fans think. With this kind of model being accepted, it gives a loud message that Pakistan would always be ready to make a compromise. Just because a certain cricket board has more money and power, it will trample the hopes and rights of any country that their political or social ideas don’t align with.
Pakistan also possesses the hosting rights for the Champion’s Trophy 2025. Should fans expect that it too will be cut and divided into two phases? Surely because a precedent has been set that the PCB will have to bow down to power if they want to be considered among the set of host countries in the future.
The fans have mixed reaction
The news of the hybrid model being accepted was welcomed by many. Even Najam Sethi released a video statement communicating his happiness over the decision. But many took to the tweeting app to express their frustration.
Since something is better than nothing, having a tiny bit of the Asia Cup in the country at this point seems like a win for Pakistan. What PCB needs to do now is to make sure this trick will not work for the future international tournaments that Pakistan will host. Najam Sethi should strictly implement a ‘never again’ policy unless obviously there are genuine reasons. For now, let’s hope team green brings the Cup home.
