The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to advocate for an increased number of Asia Cup matches to be held in Pakistan during the upcoming Asian Cricket Council (ACC) board meeting in Dubai. Following the acceptance of the hybrid model by all stakeholders, including the PCB and BCCI, the ACC had previously announced that four matches would take place in Pakistan, with the remaining nine in Sri Lanka. The tournament is scheduled to be held from August 31 to September 17.
Due to tense relations between the two countries, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had made it clear that they would not send their team to Pakistan. As a result, the hybrid model was proposed and subsequently accepted by the ACC, accommodating both nations' concerns.
Newly-appointed PCB cricket committee chief, Zaka Ashraf, who was not in charge when the Asia Cup dates were announced, has expressed his intentions to the ACC board officials. While it is unlikely that Pakistan will receive more matches in the tournament, Ashraf will highlight the rainy weather forecast for the venues in Sri Lanka and argue that Pakistan should be permitted to host additional matches on home soil.
The ACC meeting aims to finalize the schedule for the Asia Cup, and indications suggest that the highly anticipated India-Pakistan matches will take place in Dambulla in Sri Lanka. Ashraf aims to utilize various venues across Pakistan, including Multan, instead of solely relying on Lahore.
According to a PCB source, "The authorities in charge have expressed their desire to commence the event with a match between Pakistan and Nepal in Multan where they expect a bigger crowd compared to Lahore." Selecting the smaller-sized Multan Stadium over Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium is seen as a way to create a more vibrant and packed atmosphere for the opening match.
Pakistani officials remain hopeful that their appeal for hosting additional matches will be considered and that they will have the opportunity to showcase their cricketing prowess on home soil during the Asia Cup. The outcome of the ACC meeting will determine the final match schedule, providing clarity on the distribution of matches between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.