The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) initially considered the inclusion of ODI matches alongside the scheduled two-test series between the two nations in July this year.
However, due to unforeseen circumstances, this plan is now expected to be abandoned, as reported by the media.
The SLC is currently finalizing the schedule for the two-test series, which holds significance as it is a part of the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Test Championship.
Meanwhile, there are doubts about Pakistan’s participation in the Asia Cup. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman, Jay Shah, has made it clear to other countries that they do not accept the proposed “hybrid model” suggested by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Shah recently discussed this matter with the heads of member nations and proposed that the tournament should be held at a single venue, specifically Sri Lanka.
The PCB had proposed a hybrid model where the initial four matches of the group stage would be played in Pakistan, followed by matches involving India and the finals at a neutral venue. Under this model, Pakistan would play their group stage match against Nepal in Pakistan, while Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan would also play their pool matches in Pakistan. The PCB favored Dubai as the preferred neutral location within this hybrid framework.
According to a report in Telegraph India, Pakistan will be informed during the next executive board meeting of the ACC that all other participating nations have agreed to play in Sri Lanka.
The report further states that the PCB, as the designated hosts, will have to comply and play in Sri Lanka or withdraw. In that case, the participating teams would be India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, with the inclusion of a fifth team yet to be determined.