The clouds of uncertainty looming over the Asia Cup 2023 have dissipated with the acceptance of a hybrid model by the participating boards. While Pakistan retains the hosting rights, some matches will also be held in Sri Lanka. Aakash Chopra, former Indian opener turned commentator, revealed an interesting fact about the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), stating that, unlike other Asian cricket boards, the BCCI never claims its share of the revenue from the Asia Cup. Instead, they generously allocate their share to other countries where cricket development is required.
“In the history of Asia Cup, BCCI has never taken its share from the tournament,” Aakash Chopra stated on his YouTube channel. “They never even touch it. Instead, BCCI ends up handing over their share to other countries where cricket development is required. BCCI is quite wealthy and they are happy to be the elder brother. Therefore, they don’t ask for their share. No other country be it Pakistan, Sri Lanka or Bangladesh does that. Only BCCI ends up giving up their share.”
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Chopra expressed his lack of surprise regarding the acceptance of the hybrid model, despite the potential threat of Pakistan withdrawing from the Asia Cup if it wasn’t allowed to host the event.
“The hybrid model has been accepted. UAE (as a venue) wasn’t selected due to the heat, especially since the tournament will be played in the 50-over format. Last year, the Asia Cup was held here, but it was in the T20 format and the matches were played in the evenings,” explained Aakash Chopra.
He also speculated that, although not officially confirmed, the title clash might take place in Sri Lanka.
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“I assume without a doubt that the final will be played in Sri Lanka. The hosting rights remain with Pakistan. However, you are only a partial host. I am not a wee bit surprised (with the hybrid model) because India said no to traveling to Pakistan. There’s no doubt that Pakistan will come to India for the World Cup as well because you cannot say no to playing in ICC events. You may flex muscle in the Asia Cup, though. Without Pakistan, the Asia Cup is like pizza without topping, tea without sugar. It won’t be the same. I hope this ends the debate,” concluded Aakash Chopra.
