BCCI Insists on Neutral Venue for 2023 Asia Cup, ACC Meeting to Decide. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) maintains its position, demanding a completely neutral venue for the 2023 Asia Cup. Team India has categorically refused to travel across the border to Pakistan for the tournament. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had proposed a hybrid model for the event, where India would play all their matches outside of Pakistan, including the final if they qualify.

According to a PTI report, Jay Shah, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman and BCCI secretary, has once again reiterated India’s stance on the hybrid model. Representatives from the cricketing governing bodies in Asia are currently gathered in Ahmedabad for the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) final.

While Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan have expressed their willingness to play matches in Pakistan, India remains hesitant to support the hybrid model. The final decision on this matter will be made during the ACC executive board meeting, which Jay Shah is expected to convene.

An ACC board member emphasized that a middle-of-the-road solution must be found since the hybrid model cannot be put to a vote among ACC members. With six nations participating in the tournament, it raises questions about the voting rights of the 19 other nations that do not have a stake in the event.

Sri Lanka has been proposed as an alternative venue, along with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, the UAE is not the preferred choice due to the hot weather conditions in September.

The PCB has expressed concerns about participating in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India if the BCCI continues to exclude Pakistan from the Asia Cup.

The tentative schedule for the prestigious 50-over tournament is expected to be released during the World Test Championship (WTC) final in London. However, the hosting of the Asia Cup and the related issues are far from resolved.

The PCB will have to comply with the ACC’s ruling following the meeting, which will have significant implications for the Men in Green’s participation in the ODI World Cup.