Pakistan Has Security Concerns In India, And We Want To Play The World Cup In Bangladesh, Najam Sethi

The Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) management committee, Najam Sethi, has sent a strong warning to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over the Asia Cup 2023.

Sethi stated in an interview with an Indian sports channel on Thursday that if the hybrid format is allowed for the Asia Cup, it should also apply to the ICC World Cup 2023 in India and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan.

Sethi asserted that Pakistan's government would not allow them to compete in the World Cup in India because the Indian government had refused to allow the BCCI to tour Pakistan for the Asia Cup.

In an attempt to find a middle ground, the PCB has proposed a hybrid plan for the Asia Cup, in which four group stage matches would be played in Pakistan, followed by the remaining matches, including the final, at a neutral venue.

"If the hybrid model is approved for the Asia Cup, it will also be used in the World Cup." We will play our matches in Bangladesh or any suitable place during the World Cup. Furthermore, the Champions Trophy 2025 will follow the same concept, simplifying things for everyone," Sethi stated. He went on to say that if India agrees to visit Pakistan at any point, Pakistan will reciprocate by hosting World Cup matches.

It is worth noting that the BCCI has been pressing for the Asia Cup to be held somewhere other than Pakistan. They have been pressing ACC members not to participate in Pakistan's tournament.

Sethi also revealed information on his conversation with a top ACC representative. He met with the representative three days earlier in Dubai and presented the entire hybrid model. The representative then discussed it with Jay Shah, the BCCI's Secretary.

Later, Sethi spoke with the person on WhatsApp, who stated that Jay Shah had no issues to the proposed model but would speak with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka before making a final decision.

The Asia Cup's destiny, as well as the prospective implementation of the hybrid model for future events, now rests with the ACC, following conversations with the BCCI, PCB, and other participating nations.