Pakistan Rejects Sri Lanka’s Proposal for Bilateral Series Amidst Asia Cup Hosting Conflict

New Delhi: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly disappointed with the Sri Lankan Cricket Board (SLC) over its offer to host the entire Asia Cup and has declined a proposal for an ODI bilateral series in Sri Lanka. The strained relations between the PCB and SLC have emerged after the PCB’s plan for a “Hybrid Model” of hosting four Asia Cup matches in Pakistan was overshadowed by Sri Lanka’s offer to host the entire tournament.

Reports suggest that the board has turned down a request from Sri Lanka to play a few One-Day International matches in Sri Lanka next month. Pakistan is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka in July to play two Tests as part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle, and the SLC had suggested additional ODIs to provide more exposure to the Pakistani team ahead of the main event in October.

However, the PCB, after initially considering the proposal, has ultimately rejected it. This decision indicates that the PCB is displeased with Sri Lanka’s interference in offering to host the Asia Cup in September, especially since it is Pakistan’s turn to host the regional tournament at home.

PCB Chairman Najam Sethi is reportedly disappointed not only with Sri Lanka but also with the responses of the Bangladesh and Afghanistan boards regarding the Asia Cup issue. Sethi had expected these friendly cricket boards to persuade the Indian Cricket Board and other Asian Cricket Council members to support his proposal of playing three to four Asia Cup games in Pakistan before moving the tournament elsewhere.

The PCB has yet to respond to Indian media reports suggesting that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and its secretary, Jay Shah, have rejected Sethi’s hybrid model proposal and prefer Sri Lanka as the host for the Asia Cup.

Insiders indicate that the PCB is now considering strong actions regarding both the Asia Cup and the World Cup if the BCCI does not change its stance on the Asia Cup venue.