Zaka Ashraf, who is set to be the next chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following the expiry of Najam Sethi’s term, has sounded a warning to the BCCI by making it clear that he is not in favour of the hybrid model adopted by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) for the Asia Cup.
Sethi had proposed the hybrid model wherein four matches would be held in Pakistan while Sri Lanka would host the rest of the tournament.
However, it is unlikely that a change would take place now since PCB was part of the ACC’s board which approved the model.
“I don’t agree with this hybrid model. The tournament should be held entirely in Pakistan since the ACC board had given the hosting rights to Pakistan. But major matches are being played elsewhere according to the model, and only minor teams like Nepal play in Pakistan. Injustice has been done to Pakistan,” Ashraf said during a media interaction in Islamabad.
Ashraf said that he will attempt to make changes in the limited time available and would interact with the BCCI brass.
Request rejected
PCB’s request for a change in two of their venues for the World Cup has been rejected by the ICC, following a meeting with hosts, the BCCI.
PCB wanted a swap of venues for two of their league matches — against Australia in Bangalore on October 20 and against Afghanistan in Chennai on October 23. It would enable them to complete their fixtures at one go in every venue and reduce travel time.
The tie against India in Ahmedabad on October 15 will be subject to security clearance.
