Sports

Zaka Ashraf, Head Of PCB, Rejects The “Hybrid Model, For Asia Cup On Collision Course With BCCI

The likely new chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Zaka Ashraf has rejected his predecessor Najam Sethi’s much-publicised “hybrid model” for the upcoming Asia Cup, which is slated to be held in Pakistan and Sri Lanka in September.

The first point is that I had rejected the hybrid model (for Asia Cup) in the past itself – because I do not agree with it. The board of the Asian Cricket Council had decided that it should be held in Pakistan, then we should host it,” Ashraf said during a press conference in the Pakistan capital on Wednesday.

Ashraf’s comments could also put Pakistan’s World Cup participation in a limbo and it is expected that the BCCI will also play hardball and there wouldn’t be any middle ground if they back-track from what was agreed upon by members of Asian Cricket Council (ACC).

With the ACC executive body approving the hybrid model, if Ashraf doesn’t change his stand, the Asia Cup could be held without Pakistan as a five-nation tournament. “The Asia Cup model has been accepted by ACC and there would be no change. Ashraf is free to say whatever he wants,” an ACC board member told PTI.

Ashraf is one of the two nominees for the PCB chairman’s post handpicked by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, who is the patron-in-chief of the board and the man who has the final say in appointment. As of now, Ashraf’s appointment is just a formality.

The hybrid model was accepted by the ACC, headed by BCCI boss Jay Shah, after India made it clear that it won’t travel to Pakistan due to the prevailing geo-political situation. It was decided that four games will be held in Pakistan with the host country playing their group league match against Nepal and three other games involving Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan would also be scheduled in Lahore.

However, things changed dramatically in the last 48 hours after Sethi announced on twitter that he is quitting. “I don’t want to be a bone of contention between Asif Zardari and Shehbaz Sharif. Such instability and uncertainty is not good for PCB. Under the circumstances I am not a candidate for Chairmanship of PCB. Good luck to all stakeholders,” Sethi had tweeted.

Ashraf, a banker by profession, has earlier been the PCB chairman. During his media interaction, Ashraf said that he doesn’t like the idea of inconsequential games being held in their country when they have got hosting rights. “All the main matches are happening outside (of Pakistan). (Teams like) Nepal and Bhutan are going to play in Pakistan – which is not fair for Pakistan. I do not know what the board has decided previously, I do not have the access to the information. “I will check, whatever is doable in the shortest possible time, will do that for the betterment of Pakistan,” he said.

Ashraf also said that the World Cup issue is yet to be sorted which could mean that the release of schedule will be delayed further. “There are challenges lined up ahead for Pakistan, there are many pending issues, the Asia Cup is there, then the World Cup, the team’s preparations, a lot of issues. I do not want to speak against anyone because I have not (yet) taken over,” Ashraf said while not wanting to say anything about Sethi.”Once I take over, will see what the scenario is. I always take media along, I do not hide anything. We have to work for the betterment of Pakistan, we have a clear conscious.”It is understood that Pakistan’s demands to play World Cup matches at a neutral venue will not be accepted by either the BCCI or the ICC at any cost, and now Ashraf’s tough stance on Asia Cup could spoil relations further.
It may be noted that the last time India and Pakistan were engaged in a bilateral series in 2012, Ashraf was the PCB chairman.

Source PTI

Bharat Express English

Recent Posts

Pak Army Chief Munir Revives Two-Nation Theory Amid Tensions With India

Pakistan Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir reignited controversy on Saturday by invoking the two-nation…

4 mins ago

Pope Francis Funeral: President Murmu & PM Modi Pay Final Tributes

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, was laid to rest in a humble ceremony…

1 hour ago

Man Arrested For Raping Six-Year-Old Girl In Bihar’s Vaishali District

The Bihar police have taken swift action in arresting a man accused of raping a…

2 hours ago

PM Modi Distributes Over 51,000 Appointment Letters In 15th Rozgar Mela

PM Modi distributed 51,236 appointment letters to newly-recruited candidates in central government departments and organisations…

5 hours ago

Indian Embassy In Berlin Holds Memorial For Pahalgam Terror Victims

The Indian Embassy in Berlin organised a solemn memorial service to honour the victims of…

6 hours ago

Joe Jonas Reflects On Disconnecting From Technology And Reliving Childhood

Pop star Joe Jonas recently performed his latest single, Heart by Heart, to a phone-free…

6 hours ago