In the latest update from the Asian Cricket Council meeting in Bali, Indonesia, tensions have arisen between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Sri Lankan Cricket Board regarding unresolved financial matters from the co-hosting of the Asia Cup 2023. Originally planned to take place in Pakistan, the tournament had to be relocated to Sri Lanka due to the BCCI’s security concerns regarding the Indian team’s visit.

During the event, the PCB, implementing a hybrid model for the 50-over tournament, entered into agreements with the Sri Lankan Cricket Board concerning expenses such as hotels, flights, accommodation, and venue charges. The PCB committed to paying $281,700 for four chartered planes and approximately $2,069,885 for venue charges in Sri Lanka.

Najam Sethi, the then-chief overseeing the hosting proceedings, made a partial payment of 75% and agreed to settle the remaining amount after the tournament. However, the outstanding hotel bills remain unpaid, prompting Sri Lankan Cricket Board President Shami Silva to address the issue during the recent ACC meeting, as reported by Cricket Pakistan.

ACC President Jay Shah, present at the meeting, urged Silva to arrange direct discussions with the PCB to address the financial concerns. His enigmatic request raises speculation about his willingness to assist the Pakistani board.

In response, the PCB asserted that the ACC shares responsibility for the outstanding payments, arguing that the ACC compelled them to organize the Asia Cup 2023 using a hybrid model. The PCB further disclosed that the ACC had allocated only $2.5 million as hosting fees, significantly less than the actual cost, which exceeded the 4 million mark to organize the tournament.

PCB Contemplates Strategic Steps in Response to Financial Challenges and Office Tensions

Cricket in Pakistan faces challenges amid the search for a new PCB chief after Zaka Ashraf’s resignation. Team director role discussions, financial strains, and internal board disputes coincide with SLC raising concerns, impacting both the office and the team’s performance. Post-CWC 2023, with Babar Azam stepping down, Shan Masood and Shaheen Afridi took on Test and T20I captaincy, starting their tenure with losses to Australia and New Zealand, respectively.

As the Pakistan Super League looms on the horizon, the focus may temporarily shift to the 9th edition. Nevertheless, the ongoing financial constraints between PCB and SLC are anticipated to intensify in the days ahead.

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