Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief, Najam Sethi, has expressed his frustration over the selection of venues for the Asia Cup 2023, criticizing the decision to host matches in Sri Lanka despite concerns about unfavorable weather conditions.

Sethi’s discontent primarily focuses on Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary who also leads the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), which oversees the Asia Cup. In multiple meetings, Sethi had proposed alternative venues, including Pakistan and the UAE, in light of apprehensions regarding Sri Lanka’s weather. Follow your favourite cricket team with attractive betting odds from Nextbet.

“I pleaded for three approvals in various meetings with Jay Shah and ACC colleagues: Play all matches in Pakistan as international cricket had fully returned to Pakistan. When this was shot down I proposed that we play five matches in Pakistan and eight in the UAE. This also they rejected,” Sethi stated.

Amidst these discussions, Sethi revealed that there were hints of awarding the Asia Cup hosting rights to Sri Lanka if their suggestions were not accepted. Ultimately, a compromise was reached with four matches scheduled in Pakistan and the rest in Sri Lanka.

Sethi repeatedly pointed out that the expected rainfall in Sri Lanka could adversely affect match outcomes and diminish stadium attendance. He also stressed the economic aspect, suggesting that gate receipts from UAE stadiums would far surpass those in Sri Lanka.

“When Mr. Shah didn’t agree, a high-level delegation of the Emirates Cricket Board flew to Mumbai to persuade BCCI to play the Asia Cup in UAE as in the past when two IPLs and one ACC ODI event were played there in the same weather conditions. BCCI refused to accept their request,” Sethi revealed, leaving questions about the decision-making process.

Despite Sethi’s persistent efforts to find a more suitable venue, the ACC ultimately decided to stick with Sri Lanka, citing concerns about extreme heat in the Middle East. Sethi, however, remained unconvinced, asserting that the choice of venues in Sri Lanka raised several concerns.

The controversy over venue selection for the Asia Cup 2023 continues to linger, with Sethi’s concerns about weather and economic factors left unanswered by the ACC and the BCCI. Get free cricket betting tips from Nextbet Sports.