Asia Cup 2023: After SLC supports India, PCB threaten to boycott Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Test series

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is working tirelessly to secure the right to host the Asia Cup in 2023. India decided to back out from the tournament if it was being held in Pakistan and Sri Lanka and Bangladesh decided to join them. 

Now in an effort to guarantee that Pakistan keeps the hosting rights amid the dispute with the BCCI, PCB chief Najam Sethi has issued a warning to Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC). Pakistan has threatened to boycott their two-match Test series in Sri Lanka in July after the SLC rejected the PCB's hybrid concept. 

According to local media, Pakistan would skip two Test matches in Sri Lanka if SLC rejects its hybrid proposal for the Asia Cup 2023. 

What is the Hybrid Modle?

PCB suggested a hybrid model with India’s games to be played in the UAE. The suggestion, however, is thought to have been rejected by both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka due to the hot summer weather in the UAE in September.

What is PCB planning to do?

PCB will not be willing to take the chance of losing hosting rights of the Asia Cup 2023 as this will hamper their chances to host the Champions League in 2025.

The Asia Cup is a key tournament for the PCB to demonstrate their strength and security to the world. However, if India backs out, it will weaken its position to host other multi-nation tournaments.

To make sure to keep the hosting rights to themselves, PCB has now threatened to boycott the Sri Lanka tour. A boycott of the Test series would seriously affect SLC as Sri Lanka is still recovering from an economic crisis. 

What is the current situation?

As of right now, no decision has been taken regarding the Asia Cup's future. If the competition is staged in Pakistan, India won't take part. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are hesitant to send delegations to the UAE. 

If Pakistan is not the host nation of the Asia Cup, PCB will boycott both their tour to Sri Lanka and the World Cup 2023 in India. Without Pakistan, Sri Lanka has become a viable option to host the Asia Cup.