Pakistan's 'Hybrid Model' for Asia Cup likely to be accepted by ACC

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is likely to approve PCB's proposed hybrid model for the Asia Cup with Sri Lanka as the neutral venue where India can play their games, reported Cricinfo.

According to the model at least four to five of 13 games of the tournament is expected to be played in Pakistan. All the India-Pakistan games will be played in Sri Lanka, as well as the final if India is involved.

The tournament is likely to take place between September 1-17 where the Pakistan leg games are likely to be played in Lahore. India and Pakistan are placed in the same group along with Nepal in the six-nation Asia Cup, scheduled to be held in the 50-over format as preparation for the World Cup. Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan are in the other group.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Four, before the top two teams to play the final.

The hybrid model was proposed as a solution after India and Pakistan unwilling to travel to the other's country. India's refusal to tour Pakistan prompted the latter to go with this model in order to retain the hosting rights.

It was learned that Pakistan initially offered UAE as a second venue but Bangladesh raised concerns over the extreme weather in the middle east in September.