The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly claimed compensation from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) for the expenses incurred during the Asia Cup 2023. The tournament, originally slated to be hosted solely in Pakistan, adopted a hybrid model due to concerns about the Indian team’s visit to Pakistan. The event took place in August-September, featuring matches in both Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
The BCCI’s reluctance to send the Indian team to Pakistan prompted the adoption of the hybrid model. In this format, Pakistan hosted four games, and Sri Lanka played host to nine, including the final, which India clinched. The hybrid model required teams, aside from India, to change venues during the tournament.
According to reports, the PCB has claimed compensation from the ACC for the additional expenses incurred due to the hybrid model. The governing body of Pakistan cricket argues that since the ACC decided to implement the hybrid model, they should bear the responsibility for the associated costs. The expenses in question primarily revolve around chartered planes for the teams.
Flight tickets for the participating teams were reportedly booked through the Sri Lankan company Classic Travel, incurring an expense of $281,700 for four chartered flights. The PCB demanded this amount in advance, emphasizing the ACC’s role in the decision-making process. There were suggestions to sell vacant seats on the plane to fans to offset expenses, but this proposal was rejected due to logistical challenges.
As per the reports, PCB agreed to pay Sri Lanka $2,069,885 for hosting the Asia Cup. Fifty percent and then 25% of this amount were paid before the event, with the remainder due under the contract. According to the contract, the ACC is obligated to pay a hosting fee of $250,000 to the PCB, in addition to separate payments for tickets and sponsorship fees. The estimated cost of the entire event was approximately $4,000,000.
The inclusion of Multan as a venue by the PCB, expanding beyond the initial plan of hosting games only in Lahore, has reportedly led to the ACC avoiding payment of additional expenses. The ACC contends that they are not obligated to cover these costs since the PCB deviated from the originally agreed-upon venue schedule.
The matter is now expected to be included in the agenda for the next meeting between the PCB and the ACC. The outcome of these discussions will likely shape the resolution of the compensation dispute and provide insights into the decision-making dynamics for future cricketing events in the region.
