Najam Sethi, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, reiterated his opposition to moving the Asia Cup 2023 to the UAE or another country.

Najam Sethi told the media that if Pakistan lost the World Cup 2023 hosting rights, the national squad would struggle to compete.

“Our government will not allow us to play the World Cup because their government stopped the BCCI from touring Pakistan for the Asia Cup,” Najam Sethi said.

Najam Sethi stated that the PCB’s two-phase hosting arrangement helped maintain cricket relations with the neighbouring country.

Sethi said they recommended a two-phase event. Pakistan, excluding India, will host the first part, while a neutral venue would host the second.

He said all countries except India would play one match in Pakistan and the rest in the UAE in the second phase.

“If Asia Cup accepts hybrid model, World Cup will too. Sethi said we will play World Cup matches in Bangladesh or elsewhere.

Yesterday, all Asian Cricket Council members considered the proposal, which would be presented to ACC President Jay Shah for a final decision.