‘Seedha hi bol deta surrender kr diya’- Fans reacts to Najam Sethi’s comment on hybrid model of Asia Cup 2023

Najam Sethi, Chair of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Management Committee, stated on Thursday that he understood the perspective of the Indian Cricket Board, but that the hybrid model was the most realistic option for hosting the Asia Cup 2023.

Sethi’s remarks came only hours after the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) announced that the 2023 Asia Cup will be staged in a hybrid format by Pakistan and Sri Lanka from August 31 to September 17. It will be the first time since 2008 that a multi-nation cricket event will be held in Pakistan, which will host the first four matches of the Asia Cup 2023, with Sri Lanka hosting the remaining matches.

I am elated that our hybrid version for the ACC Asia Cup 2023 has been accepted: Najam Sethi

Sethi on ACC, ‘I am elated that our hybrid version for the ACC Asia Cup 2023 has been accepted. This means the PCB will remain as the event host and stage matches in Pakistan with Sri Lanka as the neutral venue, which was required due to the Indian cricket team’s inability to travel to Pakistan.’

He further added, ‘Our passionate fans would have loved to see the India cricket team in action in Pakistan for the first time in 15 years, but we understand the BCCI’s position. Like the PCB, the BCCI also requires government approval and clearance before crossing borders.’ ‘I now look forward to continuing our discussions and deliberations with the ACC and Sri Lanka Cricket to iron out a few minor operational and logistical details so that we can launch our event planning and preparations.’

The Asia Cup 2023, is also the 16th edition of the tournament, will feature two groups, with two teams from each group qualifying for the  stage. The semi-final stage and the winners will then face off in the final. India and Pakistan have been grouped with Nepal, while Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan are in the opposing group. Sri Lanka are the reigning Asia Cup champions, while India won the competition the previous time it was played in 50-over format in the UAE in 2001.

Fans Reactions to Sethi’s comments