PCB’s likely chairman Zaka Ashraf rejects ‘hybrid model’ for Asia Cup, on collision course with BCCI

The likely new chairman of Pakan Cricket Board (PCB) Zaka Ashraf has rejected his predecessor Najam Sethi’s much-publicised “hybrid model” for the upcoming Asia Cup, which is slated to be held in Pakan and Sri Lanka in September.
“The first point is that I had rejected the hybrid model (for Asia Cup) in the past itself – because I do not agree with it. The board of the Asian Cricket Council had decided that it should be held in Pakan, then we should host it,” Ashraf said during a press conference in the Pakan capital on Wednesday.
Ashraf’s comments could also put Pakan’s World Cup participation in a limbo and it is expected that the BCCI will also play hardball and there wouldn’t be any middle ground if they back-track from what was agreed upon members of Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
With the ACC executive body approving the hybrid model, if Ashraf doesn’t change his stand, the Asia Cup could be held without Pakan as a five-nation tournament.
“The Asia Cup model has been accepted ACC and there would be no change. Ashraf is free to say whatever he wants,” an ACC board member told PTI.
Ashraf is one of the two nominees for the PCB chairman’s post handpicked Prime Miner Shahbaz Sharif, who is the patron-in-chief of the board and the man who has the final say in appointment. As of now, Ashraf’s appointment is just a formality.
The hybrid model was accepted the ACC, headed BCCI boss Jay Shah, after India made it clear that it won’t travel to Pakan due to the prevailing geo-political situation.
It was decided that four games will be held in Pakan with the host country playing their group league match against Nepal and three other games involving Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanan would also be scheduled in Lahore.
However, things changed dramatically in the last 48 hours after Sethi announced on twitter that he is quitting.
“I don’t want to be a bone of contention between Asif Zardari and Shehbaz Sharif. Such instability and uncertainty is not good for PCB. Under the circumstances I am not a candidate for Chairmanship of PCB. Good luck to all stakeholders,” Sethi had tweeted.
Ashraf, a banker profession, has earlier been the PCB chairman.
During his media interaction, Ashraf said that he doesn’t like the idea of inconsequential games being held in their country when they have got hosting rights.
“All the main matches are happening outside (of Pakan). (Teams like) Nepal and Bhutan are going to play in Pakan – which is not fair for Pakan. I do not know what the board has decided previously, I do not have the access to the information.
“I will check, whatever is doable in the shortest possible time, will do that for the betterment of Pakan,” he said.
Ashraf also said that the World Cup issue is yet to be sorted which could mean that the release of schedule will be delayed further.
“There are challenges lined up ahead for Pakan, there are many pending issues, the Asia Cup is there, then the World Cup, the team’s preparations, a lot of issues. I do not want to speak against anyone because I have not (yet) taken over,” Ashraf said while not wanting to say anything about Sethi.
“Once I take over, will see what the scenario is. I always take media along, I do not hide anything. We have to work for the betterment of Pakan, we have a clear conscious.” It is understood that Pakan’s demands to play World Cup matches at a neutral venue will not be accepted either the BCCI or the ICC at any cost, and now Ashraf’s tough stance on Asia Cup could spoil relations further.
It may be noted that the last time India and Pakan were engaged in a bilateral series in 2012, Ashraf was the PCB chairman.