‘Asia Cup’s hybrid model is injustice to Pakistan,’ says Zaka Ashraf

In a notable development, Zaka Ashraf, a prominent figure and potential future chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), expressed his firm opposition to the hybrid model proposed for the upcoming Asia Cup right from the outset.

Ashraf, who previously held the position of PCB chairman during the last government of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), firmly stated that the hybrid model would not be advantageous for Pakistan. He believed it to be an unfair approach, asserting that hosting the main matches outside of Pakistan would undermine their rights as the hosts. In his view, the entire event should ideally take place within the country. These remarks were made by Ashraf at a local event in Islamabad today.

Initially, the PCB’s management committee, led by Najam Sethi, put forth the idea of the hybrid model for the Asia Cup after India declined to visit Pakistan for the tournament. Despite facing numerous obstacles, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) eventually approved the hybrid model. According to the approved plan, the first four matches will be held in Pakistan before the tournament transitions to Sri Lanka, where nine matches, including the final, will take place. The Asia Cup is scheduled to be held from August 31 to September 17.

In a separate development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif nominated Zaka Ashraf and Mustafa Ramday to be included as members of the PCB Board of Governors (BoG). With their nominations, the BoG now consists of ten members, including Ashraf and Ramday, along with four representatives each from cricket associations and departments. Subsequently, the chief election commissioner will convene an election, expected to be held later this week.

Meanwhile, Najam Sethi, who was initially appointed as the head of the PCB management committee, confirmed that he is no longer pursuing the position of PCB chairman. In a tweet, the 75-year-old clarified his decision, expressing his desire not to become a source of conflict between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PPP co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari.