Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is also the patron of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), congratulated Management Committee (MC) chief Najam Sethi on the approval of hybrid model for the Asia Cup 2023.
Last year, BCCI refused to travel to Pakistan for Asia Cup on political grounds.
To save the event's hosting rights, PCB had offered two options in the hybrid model. In the first option, India was asked to play their matches at a neutral venue whereas all other matches were to be played in Pakistan. In another option, four matches of the group stage in the first phase were proposed to be played in Pakistan whereas second phase, in which matches of Indian team followed by the next stage matches including the final, were to be played at a neutral venue. The second option of the hybrid model was accepted on June 15.
After the approval of hybrid model, Sethi Friday met the PM in Islamabad. During their meeting, PM praised Sethi and his team's efforts in bringing the Asian event back to Pakistan after 15 years.
"It's good news for Pakistani cricket fans that Asia Cup will be played here. Pakistan has successfully hosted big teams in recent times," the PM acknowledged.
"Try to bring more international events to Pakistan. We need to portray a good image of Pakistan in the world," the premier directed to the PCB chief.
The PM also emphasised improving the cricket infrastructure in the country. "There is a need to raise the standard of our cricket infrastructure. We need to build more cricket stadiums in order to host big events," he added.
Asia Cup will be hosted by Pakistan according to hybrid model. Lahore, a potential venue in Pakistan, will host four matches before the Asian event moves to Sri Lanka for the remaining nine contests. The event will be held from August 31 to September 17.
It must be noted here that Pakistan are also scheduled to host the Champions Trophy in 2025.