Tussle between Jay Shah and Najam Sethi continues as tempers get flared up at ACC Meeting

A senior Asian Cricket Council (ACC) official has confirmed that a meeting between PCB’s Najam Sethi and ACC President Jay Shah was not very cordial. “Tempers flared up during the meeting between the two,” the person revealed. The source added it is certain that the competition will leave Pakistan and take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In March, a formal announcement will be made.

The ACC official added that the Executive Board meeting scheduled for next month would be where a final decision about the location of the Asia Cup 2023 will be made. However, the decision has already been made, and Pakistan will no longer host the event.

“Tempers flared up at the meeting. Najam Sethi was rude to Jay Shah & said the Pakistan team won’t travel to India for World Cup. Jay politely said don’t mix Cricket Governing Body & ACC here,” the source was quoted as saying by InsideSport.

“Tournament will 100% move out of Pakistan. All ACC Members understand the Indian Cricket Board’s predicament and are with the Indian board”, the source added.

The matter would be taken on the next ACC Executive Board meeting: ACC

The Asia Cup 2023 venue issue was decided at the emergency meeting. Pakistan will serve as the event’s host nation. However, the Indian board made it clear during the discussion that the Indian government will not permit them to fly to Pakistan.

Representatives of the Indian Cricket Board highlighted their government’s refusal to grant them permission to visit Pakistan. The Indian Board won’t be sending a team to Pakistan, according to the secretary’s earlier statement.

The Cricket Board has no issues playing in a different nation where PCB may act as the host nation. If PCB decides to host the event, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah are considered potential venues.

“The ACC had a constructive dialogue on the upcoming Asia Cup 2023. The Board agreed to continue discussions on operations, timelines and any other specifics with a view to ensuring the success of the tournament. An update on the matter would be taken on the next ACC Executive Board meeting to be held in March 2023,” ACC stated after the completion of the meeting.

In the meantime, the PCB has informed the ACC conference that any actions taken after the tournament is moved out of Pakistan will require the government of Pakistan’s agreement.