Left with no choice after Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan backed out of their proposed ‘Hybrid Model’, hosts Pakistan might pull out of the Asia Cup in September. According to the ‘Hybrid Model’ proposed by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Najam Sethi, Pakistan had been to conduct 3 to 4 video games of the Asia Cup of their nation, whereas the remainder of the matches involving India may very well be held at a impartial venue. The thought was floated after India refused to journey to Pakistan due to safety issues. However, it has change into clear now that Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan have all backed the BCCI’s push for transferring the match 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 conscious that Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan aren’t backing their hybrid mannequin proposal for the Asia Cup,” said a well-informed source aware of the developments.

The source said that Sethi was already in touch with his cricket management committee members and also with the relevant government officials to discuss Pakistan’s stance if they do not get to host any matches of the Asia Cup at home.

Sethi has repeatedly said that if the tournament is moved to one neutral country from Pakistan, it will not take part in the competition and the source said it is on the cards that PCB will go for a boycott of the Asia Cup.

“Pakistan solely has two choices. Play the tourney at impartial venue or withdraw,” an Asian Cricket Council (ACC) source said.

“In case Pakistan does not play, it is going to nonetheless be referred to as Asia Cup however broadcaster will renegotiate the deal in absence of Pakistan.” Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and India have all taken the stance that it is not logistically or financially feasible to host the Asia Cup in Pakistan and some other country and it should be held in one country i.e Sri Lanka since India can’t travel to Pakistan.

The source also said there is a possibility that the Asia Cup might be scrapped entirely this year and India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan could end up playing a multi-team event in 50-overs format before the World Cup.

“There is each risk the Asia Cup won’t be held this 12 months as a result of with out Pakistan and India matches the broadcasters aren’t prone to provide the identical quantity they had been providing to the ACC with Pakistan included,” the source said.

The source added that India is also preparing for a four or five nation event at home in the window which would be left open if the Asia Cup is not held.

What effect Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan’s decision could have on the relations between these boards remains to be seen.

Pakistan has already rejected a proposal to play some ODI matches in Sri Lanka when it tours the country for a two-Test series after the island nation offered to host all the matches of the Asia Cup.

The source said the recent developments could force Pakistan to show its hand as far as its decision to send its team to India for the World Cup is concerned.