Lahore, June 15, 2023: The PCB Management Committee Chair, Najam Sethi, has commended the Asian Cricket Council for approving his hybrid concept for the ACC Asia Cup 2023, which has been rescheduled from August 31 to September 17.
This will be the first time that a multi-nation cricket event has been held in Pakistan since 2008. Pakistan successfully hosted the six-team ACC Asia Cup 50-over tournament fifteen years ago.
“I am overjoyed that our hybrid version for the ACC Asia Cup 2023 has been accepted,” says Najam Sethi. As a result of the Indian cricket team’s inability to come to Pakistan, the PCB will continue to organize the event and stage matches in Pakistan with Sri Lanka serving as the neutral location.
“Our ardent supporters would have loved to see the India cricket team play in Pakistan for the first time in 15 years, but we understand the BCCI’s position.” Before crossing countries, the BCCI, like the PCB, requires official approval and clearance.
“In this context, the hybrid model was the best solution, which is why I pushed for it so hard.” The acceptance of the hybrid model means that the event will take place as planned, the ACC will remain intact and united, and the great game of cricket will continue to thrive and progress in what will be interesting and exciting times for subcontinent cricket fans over the next 20 months.
“Over the last 15 months, the PCB has delivered high-profile bilateral series as well as two enormously successful HBL Pakistan Super League events, in which some of the world’s leading cricketers participated and appreciated Pakistan’s outstanding arrangements and unprecedented hospitality.” We look forward to delivering a comparable experience to the teams competing in the ACC Asia Cup, which will serve as a warm-up for the ICC Champions Trophy, which will be held in Pakistan in February/March 2025.
“I now look forward to continuing our discussions and deliberations with the ACC and Sri Lanka Cricket to iron out a few minor operational and logistical details so that we can start planning and preparing for the event.”
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“I want to reassure the ACC, its commercial partners, participating countries, and cricket fans in Pakistan and Sri Lanka that the PCB, as event hosts, will leave no stone unturned in ensuring the success of the event that is so important to the sides competing in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in October/November in India.”
“I appreciate ACC President Jay Shah’s efforts to strengthen the council so that we can continue to protect each other’s interests while also providing opportunities and platforms to emerging Asian nations.”