PCB set to take Asia Cup revenge as they refuse to travel to Sri Lanka for ODI series

 PCB set to take Asia Cup revenge as they refuse to travel to Sri Lanka for ODI series

Najam Sethi (Source: Twitter)

The Sri Lankan Cricket Board (SLC) expressed its ambition to host the entire Asia Cup, which infuriated the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), who also rejected the latter’s proposal of playing an ODI series between the two nations in the island nation.

Sources within the PCB claim that the ‘Hybrid Model’ put forth by Najam Sethi, which called for four games to be conducted in Pakistan, and the hosting of the entire Asia Cup by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), had caused a deterioration in ties between the two Asian countries.  The source stated that “An example of the increasingly strained relations between the two boards emerged after the PCB turned down a proposal by the Lankans to play a few One-Day International matches next month in Sri Lanka.”

The SLC reportedly recommended that Pakistan additionally participate in a few ODIs as they are hopeful that their squad can secure their place in the World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe, along with requiring additional experience before the main event in October. Pakistan will be heading to Sri Lanka in July to take on two Tests for the next World Test Championship cycle, scheduled by the apex cricket council.

It is a clear indication that the PCB is not happy with the Sri Lankan board: Sources

But a trustworthy source stated that the PCB has now rejected the plan after first suggesting they would explore it. The source said, “It is a clear indication that the PCB is not happy with the Sri Lankan board stepping in to offer to host the Asia Cup in September when it is Pakistan’s turn to host the regional event at home.”

In reality, he claimed, PCB Chairman Sethi is dissatisfied with Bangladesh’s and Afghanistan’s boards’ responses to the Asia Cup issue. The source further stated that, “Sethi expected Sri Lanka with whom Pakistan has long had friendly relations, Bangladesh and Afghanistan to convince the Indian Cricket Board and other Asian Cricket Council board members to go with the proposal put by Sethi and at least play three to four games in Pa1kistan of the Asia Cup before moving the tournament elsewhere.”

Steven

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