PCB-ACC Officials to Finalize ACC Asia Cup Details and Schedule in Dubai
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to meet with representatives of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) in Dubai on Sunday and Monday to finalize the details and schedule of the upcoming ACC Asia Cup, scheduled to commence from August 31, according to a report by The News on Friday.
A PCB official, currently attending International Cricket Council (ICC) meetings in Durban, South Africa, informed The News that following initial discussions, PCB officials will convene with ACC representatives in Dubai over the weekend to determine all the specifics related to the Asia Cup.
While the initial negotiations had confirmed earlier reports that Pakistan would host only one match against Nepal, subsequent discussions between former Management Committee chairman Najam Sethi and ACC officials resulted in Pakistan securing the hosting rights for three additional matches.
“The ACC initially agreed to hold one Asia Cup match (Pakistan vs Nepal) in Pakistan, but after a series of discussions, it was decided that Pakistan would host three matches, and then a fourth match was added,” stated the official.
He further elaborated, “Pakistan will now host four matches, including Pakistan vs Nepal, as well as the first-round matches of other groups: Afghanistan vs Bangladesh, Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, and Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan. Pakistan will most likely face arch-rivals India twice in a week in Dambulla and potentially again in the final if both teams progress.”
The official emphasized that the venue of the matches being played in Sri Lanka was not as important as the financial aspect. He stated, “It has been finalized that Pakistan will only host Asia Cup matches as the host nation, while the rest of the event will be held in Sri Lanka. The crucial factor is how much revenue Pakistan will generate by hosting the remaining matches in Sri Lanka.”
He further expressed the challenges in generating additional revenue in Sri Lanka compared to the UAE, where the event was previously organized. “By hosting the event in the UAE, we were confident of generating substantial revenue from gate money, ground hoardings, and related marketing ventures. However, it is more challenging to generate additional revenue in Sri Lanka. We need to reach an understanding with the ACC to ensure we attain the desired revenues.”
Even during Najam Sethi’s tenure as the head of the PCB Committee, Pakistan engaged in discussions with ACC officials to secure an amount equal to the revenue generated by hosting the Asia Cup in the UAE last year. The official stated, “That is what we are aiming for, to generate similar revenues to what India generated by hosting the Asia Cup last year in Dubai.”
Aside from revenue, other matters such as teams, officials, and journalists traveling will also be discussed during Sunday’s meeting in Dubai. “PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf and BCC secretary Jay Shah, who met a couple of days ago in Durban, had initial discussions on all the issues that are expected to be finalized in Dubai before the official announcement,” added the official.
He concluded by stating, “One thing is certain: the only available window to host the Asia Cup is the first fifteen days of September, with one match already scheduled for August 31. From September 15 onward, World Cup preparations will take center stage.”
