The cricketing relations between Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have taken a hit after a series of developments surrounding hosting the 2023 Asia Cup. The PCB has reportedly turned down Sri Lanka’s proposal to play an ODI series intended to serve as a build-up to the 2023 ODI World Cup. The strained relations between the two boards stem from SLC’s rejection of the PCB’s ‘hybrid model’ and subsequent offer to host the Asia Cup.
With the 2023 ODI World Cup scheduled in India in October-November, the SLC proposed an ODI series to prepare for the prestigious event. However, the recent turn of events surrounding the hosting of the Asia Cup has strained the relationship between the PCB and SLC. The PCB has not received the SLC’s decision to offer to host the Asia Cup in September, which was Pakistan’s turn to host the tournament.
According to sources within the PCB, the board has declined Sri Lanka’s proposal for an ODI series in response to the strained relations between the two boards.
The PCB expressed dissatisfaction with the SLC’s decision to step in and host the Asia Cup, originally designated to be held in Pakistan. The PCB believes Sri Lanka’s action undermines their previous agreement regarding the tournament’s hosting rights.
“An example of the increasingly strained relations between the two boards emerged after the PCB turned down a proposal by the Lankans to play a few One-Day International matches next month in Sri Lanka. It is a clear indication that the PCB is not happy with the Sri Lankan board stepping in to offer to host the Asia Cup in September when it is Pakistan’s turn to host the regional event at home,” a PCB source was quoted as saying by the Hindu.
The PCB Chairman, Najam Sethi, had anticipated that Sri Lanka, along with Bangladesh and Afghanistan, with whom Pakistan has maintained friendly relations, would help convince the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and other Asian Cricket Council (ACC) members to implement the proposed ‘hybrid model.’
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“Sethi expected Sri Lanka with whom Pakistan has long had friendly relations, Bangladesh and Afghanistan to convince the Indian Cricket Board and other Asian Cricket Council board members to go with the proposal put by Sethi and at least play three to four games in Pakistan of the Asia Cup before moving the tournament elsewhere,” the source said.
