'To apna Virat kese run maregaa' - Fans react as report surface Pakistan may pull out of Asia Cup after other nations reject PCB's 'hybrid model'

Jay Shah & Najam Sethi (Source: Twitter)

Asia Cup 2023 hosts Pakistan may pull out of the tournament after Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan rejected their proposed 'hybrid model'. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has previously suggested to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) that 3 to 4 Asia Cup matches be hosted in Pakistan, with the remaining matches featuring India being played at a neutral venue.

The move came after the Indian Cricket Board refused to allow its players travel to Pakistan citing security reasons. According to reports, the cricket bodies of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan have backed India in their efforts to pull the event out of Pakistan.

"It is just a formality now that the Asian Cricket Council executive board members meet virtually or a proper meeting is called later this month. But the PCB is now aware that Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan are not backing their hybrid model proposal for the Asia Cup," an ACC source said.

According to the source, PCB chairman Najam Sethi has been in contact with Pakistan cricket management committee members as well as relevant government officials to discuss their stance if they do not get to host any Asia Cup matches at home.

The source also pointed out that Pakistan may decide to boycott the tournament if it is shifted to a neutral country.  "Pakistan only has two options. Play the tourney at neutral venue or withdraw. In case Pakistan doesn't play, it will still be called Asia Cup but the broadcaster will renegotiate the deal in absence of Pakistan," the source said.

Will the 2023 Asia Cup be completely scrapped?

Meanwhile, the source mentioned that the Asia Cup could be cancelled this year and that India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan could end up playing a multi-team ODI event before the World Cup.

"There is every possibility the Asia Cup might not be held this year because without Pakistan and India matches the broadcasters are not likely to offer the same amount they were offering to the ACC with Pakistan included," the source said.

With the recent developments, it remains to be seen whether Pakistan will allow its men to travel to India for the 50-over World Cup scheduled to be held in October-November this year. There were reports that Pakistan would not come to India for the World Cup if India refused to go to their country.

Here's how fans reacted to the reports: 

Koi Pakistan ko respect nahi det 🤣🤣🤣

— Nigam Barik (@Barik7Nigam) June 6, 2023

Nice way to avoid another final loss against india.

— Vedant. (@holdandbold) June 6, 2023

@TheRealPCB pic.twitter.com/QPqZx4iiwo

— Prasunjha (@Prasunj90898109) June 6, 2023

No one cares.💀
It’s their own disadvantage if they don’t play the asia cup which is in the odi format with the odi wc soon💀

— davidmiller10 (@sammm_010) June 6, 2023

They will play them selves with a b c teams

Winner will be c teams 🫡

— ok (@mrpraveenn) June 6, 2023

To apna virat kese run maregaa
Unn ke khilaf chalta hai woh

— GOVIND 45 (@GOVINDRAUNIYA17) June 6, 2023

Bina Pakistan ke maja nahi aayegaa bc😤

— सचमुच का राउडी (@akki_lltk) June 6, 2023

This is like saying i won't come for event
After you don't receive invitation for event

— Harsh (@cricketharshh) June 6, 2023

pic.twitter.com/pW2GKGmznT

— लालू जी (@bihar_28) June 6, 2023