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Former PCB chief Najam Sethi (Image Credit: Twitter)
The ongoing dispute between the PCB and ACC concerning the Asia Cup 2023 has taken a new twist. It has come to light that Zaka Ashraf, the PCB chief, has sent an email to Jay Shah, the president of the Asian Cricket Council, requesting compensation for the Asia Cup matches taking place in Sri Lanka.
In his email, Ashraf cited significantly lower ticket sales due to persistent rainfall in Sri Lanka as the reason for seeking compensation. The ongoing Asia Cup 2023 is being conducted in a hybrid format, with Pakistan hosting four matches and the remaining matches being held in Sri Lanka. However, PCB holds the official hosting responsibilities for the tournament.
India has participated in two matches in the Asia Cup so far, both of which were impacted by rain. The result of the India vs. Nepal match was made using the Duckworth-Lewis method, resulting in a 10-wicket victory for India. On the other hand, their match against Pakistan was entirely washed out due to rain. Both of these matches took place in Pallekele. Over the span, questions have arisen regarding the ticket prices set by PCB for India's group-stage matches. The highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan match was priced at $5, while tickets for the India vs. Nepal match were priced at double that, at $10.
Additionally, there are concerns about the possibility of rain affecting the India vs. Pakistan match in the Super Four stage, scheduled to be held in Colombo, with weather forecasts predicting a 90% chance of showers. In addition to it, the former PCB president Najam Sethi also criticized the ACC for not relocating the Super Four stage from Colombo to Hambantota, as previously reported.
"BCCI/ACC informed PCB today that they had decided to shift the next India-Pak match from Colombo to Hambantota because of rain forecasts. Within one hour they changed their mind and announced Colombo as the venue. What's going on? Is India afraid to play and lose to Pakistan? Look at the rain forecast!" the former PCB chief wrote.
India and Pakistan to clash in Super 4 of Asia Cup 2023
Amid all the speculations as well as confusion surrounding the Asia Cup venue, the ACC has stuck on with Colombo as the venue for the marquee clash between India as well as Pakistan and also for the remainder of the Asia Cup 2023 matches.
The previous time around the match between these two superpowers of world cricket cannot be completed as rain washed away the second half of the match. With KL Rahul back in the side, the Indian skipper as well as team management will face a dilemma in selecting their middle order with Ishan Kishan performing well playing at number 5.