The proposed Hybrid Model entails Pakistan and Sri Lanka co-hosting the Asia Cup, with India scheduled to play all their matches, together with two towards their arch-rivals, within the island nation.
The mannequin was initially put forth by Ashraf’s predecessor and rival, Najam Sethi. During a media convention, Ashraf had publicly rejected the thought. However, he has now had a change of coronary heart and determined to embrace the idea, paving the way in which for the unique hosts to retain the matches.
It has been learnt that Ashraf did not know that PCB chief Sethi had already been a signatory to ‘Hybrid Model’ which has been handed by the omnipotent ACC Executive board headed by BCCI secretary Jay Shah and the choice cannot be reversed.
Pakistan Cricket Board might have confronted punitive motion if Ashraf with out full particulars of the occasion would have created a roadblock.
“In my personal opinion, this whole hybrid model isn’t beneficial for Pakistan and I didn’t like it,” Ashraf was quoted as saying by ESPN Cricinfo.
“Being a host, Pakistan should have negotiated better to make sure that the entire tournament should have been played in Pakistan. Sri Lanka taking the bigger lot of games, leaving Pakistan with only four games, isn’t in the best interest of our country,” he added.
Ashraf then admitted that he did not know full particulars and did an entire U-turn.
“But I see the decision has been made, so we have to go with it. I will not block or have any intention not to comply with the decision. I cannot do much about it but to honour the commitment. But going forward, every decision we make will be made for and in the interest of the country.”
(With PTI Inputs)
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com