PCB set to boycott ODI series in Sri Lanka following their proposal to host Asia Cup 2023

Najam Sethi, PCB Chairman (Source: Twitter)

The Sri Lankan Cricket Board (SLB) expressed its ambition to host the entire Asia Cup, which infuriated the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), who also rejected the latter's offer to play an ODI bilateral series in the island nation. Sources within the PCB claim that the 'Hybrid Model' put forth by Najam Sethi, which called for four games to be conducted in Pakistan, and the hosting of the entire Asia Cup by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), had caused a deterioration in ties between the two organisations.

"An example of the increasingly strained relations between the two boards emerged after the PCB turned down a proposal by the Lankans to play a few One-Day International matches next month in Sri Lanka," a PCB source stated.

The SLC reportedly suggested that Pakistan also play a few ODIs as they are hopeful their team will book a spot from the World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe and would need more exposure before the main event in October. Pakistan is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka in July to play two Tests of the next World Test Championship cycle. But a trustworthy source stated that the PCB has now rejected the plan after first suggesting they would explore it.

Najam Sethi dissatisfied with Bangladesh’s and Afghanistan’s responses to the Asia Cup issue

"It is a clear indication that the PCB is not happy with the Sri Lankan board stepping in to offer to host the Asia Cup in September when it is Pakistan's turn to host the regional event at home," the source said.

In reality, he claimed, PCB Chairman Najam Sethi is dissatisfied with Bangladesh's and Afghanistan's boards' responses to the Asia Cup issue. "Sethi expected Sri Lanka with whom Pakistan has long had friendly relations, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan to convince the Indian Cricket Board and other Asian Cricket Council board members to go with the proposal put by Sethi and at least play three to four games in Pakistan of the Asia Cup before moving the tournament elsewhere."

"He is disappointed at the way things have panned out in recent days especially when some of these board heads went to India for the IPL final and met with the Indian Cricket Board secretary Jay Shah," the source added.