“I cannot do much about it,” REBEL Zaka Ashraf makes big U-TURN, agrees to host 2023 Asia Cup in hybrid model

While Ashraf was against hosting the continental showpiece event in a hybrid model saying Pakistan has been given inconsequential games, the future PCB Chief has accepted that nothing can be done now.

Zaka Ashraf makes U-turn on Asia Cup (Image via ICC, Cricbuzz)

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) soon-to-be Chairman Zaka Ashraf has made a big U-turn on his claims about rejecting the hybrid model for the 2023 Asia Cup, approved by Jay Shah-headed Asian Cricket Council (ACC). While Ashraf was against hosting the continental showpiece event in a hybrid model saying Pakistan has been given inconsequential games, the future PCB Chief has accepted that nothing can be done now.

Notably, the Asia Cricket Council (ACC) announced that the continental tournament will be hosted in the hybrid model proposed by the PCB with Pakistan getting to stage four out of the thirteen games. But after Najam Sethi stepped down as PCB Chief, Ashraf rejected the model.

Now, he has agreed, saying he did not know the complete details. “In my personal opinion, this whole hybrid model isn’t beneficial for Pakistan and I didn’t like it,” Ashraf was quoted saying by ESPNCricinfo. “Being a host, Pakistan should have negotiated better to make sure that the entire tournament should have played in Pakistan.”

“Sri Lanka taking the bigger lot of games, leaving Pakistan with only four games, isn’t in the best interest of our country. But I see the decision has been made, so we have to go with it. I will not block or have any intention not to comply with the decision. I cannot do much about it but to honor the commitment.”

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What’s next then?

asia cup trophy — Asia Cup Trophy (Image via Hindustan Times)

Although clouds of uncertainty hang around the 2023 Asia Cup, it seems that the path is clear now, with Zaka Ashraf agreeing to the model approved by ACC. The board has already given the dates for the tournament (31 August- 17 September) with the venues also almost finalized. ACC is expected to release the schedule anytime soon.

Talking about the format, with the ODI World Cup scheduled later this year, the 2023 Asia Cup will also be played in the 50-over format. The six participating teams have also been confirmed. India and Pakistan will be in the same group and if the teams fare well enough, the fans might get to see as many as three India-Pakistan matches. To know more about the 2023 Asia Cup, click here.