ACC set to move Asia Cup out of Pakistan after members reject PCB's hybrid model
Sri Lanka may host tournament
New Delhi, May 8: In a huge setback to Pakistan, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) on Monday decided to move the Asia Cup out of the country after PCB's proposal to host the tournament on a 'hybrid model' was rejected by the member nations.
Sri Lanka has emerged as a front runner to host the six-nation tournament as extremely humid conditions in the UAE in the month of September could lead to injuries to players.
It will be interesting to see if Pakistan, after this snub, competes in the tournament, scheduled to be held from September 2-17.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was forced to propose an alternative after BCCI refused to send the Indian team to the neighbouring nation due to diplomatic tension between the two countries.
The PCB is hopeful that there will be another round of discussions on Tuesday in case there is a change of heart.
PCB had proposed that India play their games in the UAE while Pakistan host their matches on home soil.
"Najam Sethi (PCB chairman) was in Dubai today to procure support but to his horror there were no takers for his proposal of Pakistan playing its games in Karachi or Lahore and India playing in UAE. Sri Lanka was always with BCCI and now even Bangladesh Cricket Board seemed opposed to the idea," an ACC source told PTI.
"ACC has always maintained that in principle the 'hybrid model' is unacceptable and the budgetary sanctions can never be passed."
"Also it's not about Pakistan hosting its own matches. It also means that if India and Pakistan are in same group, the third team will be travelling to and fro between Dubai and a city in Pakistan," the source added.
What added fuel to the fire is PCB's recent decision to host Pakistan Super League's matches in UAE due to escalated costs of security arrangements.
"Also logistically, the broadcasters wouldn't want to send separate units in two countries. Sri Lanka, just like UAE doesn't require inter-city flights whether you play at the Khettarama (Premadasa Stadium), SSC or Galle or Kandy," he added.
However the ACC chairman Jay Shah will need to convene an Executive Body meeting to make the decision official.
In the prevailing situation, whether Pakistan participates in the event or decides against coming to India for the World Cup remains to be seen.
"Even ICC won't agree to Pakistan playing its matches outside India (during World Cup). So let's see what PCB decides," the source added.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Haryana Government Loses Majority As 3 Independent MLAs Support Congress
Chandigarh (PTI): In a setback to the ruling BJP in Haryana amid the Lok Sabha elections, three Independent MLAs today announced that they have withdrawn their support to the Nayab Singh Saini-led government in the state.
The three MLAs - Sombir Sangwan, Randhir Gollen and Dharampal Gonder - also said that they have decided to extend support to the Congress during the elections.
They made the announcement at a press conference held in Rohtak in presence of former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and state Congress chief Udai Bhan.
"We are withdrawing support to the government. We are extending our support to the Congress," Mr Gonder said.
"We have taken this decision on various issues including those related to farmers," he said.
Speaking at the press meet, Udai Bhan said, "The three Independent MLAs - Sombir Sangwan, Randhir Singh Gollen and Dharampal Gonder - have withdrawn their support to the BJP government and extended their support to the Congress."
"I also want to say that present strength of (90-member) Haryana Assembly is 88, of which the BJP has 40 members. The BJP government earlier had support of JJP MLAs and Independents, but JJP had also withdrawn support and now Independents are also leaving.
"Nayab Singh Saini government is now a minority government. He should tender his resignation as he does not have right to stay even for a minute," said Mr Bhan.
Now, the assembly polls should be held immediately, he said.
