The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is reportedly set to move the upcoming Asia Cup out of Pakistan after member countries rejected the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) proposal for a hybrid model of hosting the tournament. The decision comes amidst security concerns and tension between India and Pakistan.
According to reports, the ACC members were not in favor of the proposed hybrid model, which would have involved hosting some matches in Pakistan and others in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The members reportedly raised concerns about the feasibility of the model and the security risks associated with hosting matches in Pakistan.
As a result, the ACC is now looking for alternative hosts for the tournament, with Sri Lanka emerging as a top contender. Sri Lanka has previously hosted the Asia Cup in 1986, 1997, 2004, and 2010.
The decision to move the tournament out of Pakistan is a blow to the country’s efforts to revive international cricket in the country. Pakistan has been trying to host international cricket matches on its home soil after a terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in 2009 led to a decade-long absence of international cricket in the country.
The Asia Cup is a biennial tournament that features teams from Asia, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. The tournament was last held in 2018 in the UAE, with India emerging as the champions.
The decision to move the tournament out of Pakistan is expected to have financial implications for the PCB, which was hoping to generate revenue from hosting the matches. However, the safety and security of players and fans are of paramount importance, and the ACC’s decision to move the tournament reflects this priority.
In conclusion, the Asia Cup is set to be moved out of Pakistan after the ACC members rejected the PCB’s hybrid model of hosting the tournament. Sri Lanka is now the frontrunner to host the tournament, which is a significant blow to Pakistan’s efforts to revive international cricket in the country. While the decision is likely to have financial implications for the PCB, it underscores the importance of safety and security in international sports events.
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