The Pakistan Cricket Board and the Sri Lankan Cricket Board are not on the best of terms at the moment. The PCB is not happy with the Sri Lankan board for offering to host the Asia Cup and has refused to play a one-day international series in Sri Lanka.  

Pakistan will tour Sri Lanka in July to play two Tests of the next ICC World Test championship. Apparently, the Sri Lankan Cricket Board had suggested that Pakistan play a few one-day international matches as they were positive the Sri Lankan team will book a spot for the ODI World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe. Hence, they would need more exposure before the event in October.

The PCB had initially said that they would consider the offer but refused it later. This sends a clear message that the PCB is not happy with the Sri Lankan Cricket Board’s proposal to host the Asia Cup as it was Pakistan’s turn to host the regional event.

PCB chief Najam Sethi was also upset with the response from the boards of Bangladesh and Afghanistan as well over the Asia Cup issue. Sethi had expected that Sri Lankan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan boards would convince the BCCI to go with the hybrid model as proposed by PCB.

The PCB chief did not refute media reports that the BCCI has rejected Sethi’s hybrid model and wants the tournament to be held in Sri Lanka. The bone of contention in the controversy is the Indian board is unlikely to send its team to play in Pakistan, though it has not formally announced the same, it has been making gestures to that effect.

A senior BCCI official said that there is absolutely no chance that Pakistan could hold the Asia Cup. The BCCI would like it if the ICC Champion’s Trophy is also moved out of Pakistan. According to reports, Sri Lanka was likely to hold the event. But the final decision will be made at the ACC meeting.

With strong relations between the BCCI and Sri Lanka Cricket, the BCCI wants the event to happen in Sri Lanka. At the next ACC meeting, the PCB chief will be conveyed the message.

By Naveen Singh

The World Test Championship (WTC) is the ultimate battle of cricket’s traditional format, Test cricket. Launched on August 1, 2019, the championship aims to showcase the best version of Test cricket, which has faced declining interest and relevance in recent times.

The inaugural edition of the WTC lasted for two years, from 2019 to 2021, and saw nine Test-playing nations compete in a series of bilateral Test series. The championship was won by New Zealand, which defeated India in the finals held at the Rose Bowl in Southampton, England.

The second edition of the WTC started in 2021 and now the 2023 World Test Championship final will be played between India and Australia at the iconic Kia Oval Ground in London, England.

India and Australia are considered as two of the strongest cricket teams in the world and their clashes on the field is something that is always highly anticipated.

Australia is currently second in the test rankings, while India holds the first position. The India Vs Australia WTC Final will also be a chance for some of the world’s best cricketers to flaunt their skills.

Apart from current Indian team captain Rohit Sharma, former captain Virat Kohli, Australia’s captain Pat Cummins and his predecessor Steve Smith, looking at the recent performances Ajinkya Rahane, Ravindra Jadeja, Shubman Gill and David Warner are expected to be the key players in the finals for their respective teams.

One of the key factors in the success of both teams will depend on their ability to adapt to the conditions of England. However, both teams have proven their ability to win in challenging conditions so far and now it will be interesting to see how they perform against each other.

Overall, India vs Australia World Test Championship Final promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of the most talented and competitive cricket teams in the world. The fans can expect to witness some epic battles on the field as each team seeks to prove its dominance and win the final of the World Test Championship 2023.

Months ahead of ICC Cricket World Cup, tensions have already started between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).  

International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman Greg Barclay and CEO Geoff Allardice are in Lahore, Pakistan to get assurance from the PCC on Pakistan team’s participation in the ICC Cricket World Cup due to be held in October-November.

The ICC seek a confirmation from the PCB that it will not push for implementing a hybrid model for its matches in the World Cup in India.

The development comes after PCB Chief Najam Sethi stated that the Pakistan Cricket team will not travel to India if the Indian team prevents itself from visiting Pakistan for the preceding Asia Cup.

The BCCI is concerned if the hybrid model proposed by the PCB chief is accepted for the Asia Cup, the PCB might also ask the ICC to implement the hybrid model for the ICC World Cup as well.

Sethi said if the Pakistan government doesn’t approve on sending the team to India, the PCB would seek ICC to hold the matches at a neutral venue.

If this situation arrives, it would be a big setback for the both the ICC and the BCCI as India vs Pakistan match happening in India witnesses a completely packed stadium, a successful match for the Indian cricket board and International cricket council economically, whereas if it would be held in any other country it would not be able to attract a large amount of crowd in the stadium, primary reason why BCCI Secretary Jay Shah was reluctant to accept the hybrid model for the Asia Cup.

The PCB Chief has also stated that if the Asia Cup is moved to a neutral country from Pakistan, then the Pakistan Team will not participate in the Asia Cup

The ICC is trying to bring the two nations into board together on the matter.