Last Update on: September 6th, 2023 at 07:55 pm
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has written a formal statement to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and has requested them to reimburse the losses that have faced due to the matches getting washed out due to rain in Asia Cup 2023, as per Cricket Pakistan. PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf sent a letter to Jay Shah.
Not only has PCB sought reimbursement, but they also have expressed their disappointment with ACC continuing to host Asia Cup Super 4 matches in Colombo, despite the weather not being good. The other four members reportedly were on the same page to host the games in Super 4 fixtures in Hambantota.
PCB also questioned the decision-making of the ACC and stated that they are unable to understand how the governing body is making decisions without following the process. The letter stated (as quoted by Cricket Pakistan):
“PCB, as the host of the Asia Cup 2023, is deeply troubled by the lack of consultation and communication that led to this ostensible and unilateral decision. It is still not clear who has taken this decision and, in this regard, a clarification is demanded.”
“This latest arbitrary decision, not taken with the approval of competent authorities, appears to have been made in haste and irrationally. The question again arises as to who is making these decisions unilaterally, without following due process and without consulting the host for the event.”
IND vs PAK: The ACC will have to take responsibility for the washed-out matches – PCB
The letter by PCB further read that the Asian Cricket Council will have to take responsibility for the washed-out matches. They added that decisions made by them defy logic.
“The Weather Forecast could not have possibly changed within a span of few minutes. What is the point of pandering to spectator’s bookings (that too only HA of the stadium capacity) if the game is washed out? The reasoning defies logic.
“Who will be responsible for the loss of gate receipts to the PCB and the adverse impact on the ACC Event’s brand value should the matches be rained out in Colombo? The ACC will have to take responsibility for the washed out matches, incremental costs if any, and also reimburse PCB for the losses of gate revenue.”
The rains in Sri Lanka have yet again raised questions over the venue of the Asia Cup 2023. The much-anticipated game between India and Pakistan was washed out and the weather curtailed also the game between India and Nepal.
Many experts have lashed out at the ACC for scheduling tournaments in island nations especially knowing the weather. Jay Shah in particular has been at the receiving end of the flak and even former PCB Chairman Najam Sethi pointed out that he urged the ACC President to host tournaments in Pakistan and UAE.