Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) have rejected Pakistan's hybrid model of hosting the Asia Cup in two different countries, according to a report on ESPNcricinfo. With India unwilling to travel to Pakistan for the tournament, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had suggested that India play their matches in the UAE, while the rest of the games be played in Pakistan.
However, the SLC and BCB have stated logistical reasons for not travelling to two countries for the tournament. Also, the fact that the UAE will be extremely hot in September is another reason for the teams remaining not too keen to travel to the UAE.
"We have written to the ACC to say that we are against the hybrid model," SLC secretary Mohan de Silva, told ESPNcricinfo.
"But beyond that, no final decision has been reached. It's very hot in the UAE at that time of year."
The PCB has however claimed that it has emails from the boards stating that they have no issues in playing the entire tournament in Pakistan. Moreover, the board has also questioned why the teams are reluctant to play a part of the matches in the UAE, given that the entire tournament was staged in the UAE last year between August 27 and September 11.
While the multi-team event was hosted by Sri Lanka last year, it shifted to the UAE due to the political and economic turmoil in Sri Lanka.
However, with the situation improving, Sri Lanka is ready to host the Asia Cup, if needed. "If the offer is there to play the tournament in Sri Lanka, we will take it. Pakistan will be the official hosts," he said.
However, the PCB remains adamant that the hybrid model works for everyone. It also says that Pakistan will not participate if the model is rejected. "The PCB presented a hybrid model that resolves issues of logistics and travel and production," a PCB official told ESPNcricinfo.
"The board reiterated its position that we won't play the Asia Cup if the Pakistan plus neutral venue model is rejected."
India, Pakistan and Nepal are grouped in one group, while Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are in the other group. The 13 matches will be played across 13 days with top two teams from each group advancing to the Super 4s. The top two teams from the Super 4s will then play the final. The exact dates for the tournament will be announced in due course.