Najam Sethi, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), made a straightforward remark regarding a ‘hybrid paradigm’ for the forthcoming ODI World Cup in India. Notably, PCB and BCCI have been at odds over the hosting rights for the forthcoming Asia Cup and 50-over World Cup.
The PCB, led by Najam Sethi, was in talks with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) regarding the possibility of a ‘hybrid model’. BCCI secretary Jay Shah verified that the Indian national team will not travel to a neighboring nation for the upcoming Asia Cup and that their matches will take place at a neutral venue.
In light of this, Najam Sethi asserted that India must utilize the hybrid experiment during the 50-over World Cup, in which Pakistan will play matches outside the host nation.
“We believe this hybrid endeavor can also be utilized during the World Cup. Our position is that everything should be based on reciprocity. Yes, there were security concerns in Pakistan in the past. However, there are currently no issues, so what is India’s justification for not competing in Pakistan?” ESPN cricinfo cited what Najam Sethi said during a press conference.
We are financially independent and do not require assistance: Najam Sethi
Notably, Pakistan has also been awarded the rights to host the Champions Trophy in 2025. However, Sethi believes that with the current dialogue between the ACC and AFC regarding the Asia Cup, India may contemplate competing in 2025. In addition, he stated that the public does not want PCB to submit in this regard, but rather to play “honorably” with the archrivals.
“We have been informed that the ice may continue to melt; if this occurs when the Champions Trophy is held in Pakistan in 2025, India may contemplate playing there. We’ve been advised to play the Asia Cup in a neutral location and to travel to India for the World Cup,” Sethi said.
“However, I can state categorically that the current public sentiment is: we are not in need, we can financially support ourselves, and we wish to play cricket with India in an honorable manner. Additionally, we are negotiating with the ACC, he added.
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