PCB proposes 'hybrid model' venues for India's Asia Cup matches, Indian Cricket Board yet to respond

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed that India should play their Asia Cup matches at a neutral venue, while Pakistan and other competing teams play in Pakistan. This proposal was made to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) after the Indian Cricket Board refused to travel to Pakistan due to political tension between the two nations. The Asia Cup, involving six teams, is scheduled to be played from September 2 to 17, although the exact schedule of matches is yet to be announced due to uncertainty over the venue.

The proposal put forward by the PCB suggests a hybrid model in which Pakistan would play its Asia Cup matches at home, and India would play at a neutral venue. Sethi, the chairman of the PCB, expressed hope that the visit of Pakistan's foreign minister to India next month would help thaw relations between the two nations. He also indicated that the public mood in Pakistan is that they should play cricket with India on level terms.

Sethi said that if Pakistan decides to shift all India matches in the Asia Cup to a neutral venue, the neighbours should also apply the same hybrid experiment during the 50-over World Cup in October-November this year, which India is hosting. However, there is talk across the border that Pakistan's matches in the World Cup be moved to neutral venues.

Pakistan to still remain the host

The ACC, led by Indian Cricket Board secretary Jay Shah, is yet to respond to the PCB's proposed hybrid model. Reports suggest that the other ACC members also want the Asia Cup to be held at a neutral venue to save costs, although Pakistan will remain the tournament host.

Overall, the proposal put forward by the PCB highlights the ongoing political tension between India and Pakistan and the impact it has had on cricket matches between the two nations. While the proposal aims to find a compromise, it remains to be seen if it will be accepted by the ACC and Indian Cricket Board.