Pak Cricket Board seeks compensation to cover loss over losing out Asia Cup matches

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has sought compensation from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) for covering the loss suffered by it owing to loss of matches in the Asia Cup 2023 tournament.

Zaka Ashraf, Chairman of the Management Committee of the PCB, in a formal letter, has made a request to the ACC for compensation to cover the financial losses incurred as a result of matches being washed out during the ongoing Asia Cup 2023.

The letter, addressed to ACC President Jay Shah, outlined the PCB's concerns and grievances regarding the tournament's management.

PCB has aso expressed its disappointment and dissatisfaction with the decision to proceed with the Asia Cup matches in Colombo as originally scheduled, despite a prior consensus among all member nations to relocate the Super 4 fixtures to Hambantota. This decision was prompted by adverse weather conditions that had the potential to affect the matches negatively.

“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,” the letter by PCB stated.

“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.

“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.”