What is Hybrid Model in Cricket?

The hybrid model in cricket shares matches between a host country and another designated location (or locations). In recent times, hybrid models have become common in cricket, particularly in games involving India and Pakistan.

What is a Hybrid Model in Cricket?

The hybrid model is a new hosting structure in cricket that allows a host country allocate matches to cricket grounds in other countries. Host countries could draft the hybrid model to accommodate most matches to other locations or few games involving one or more teams.

It is a recent development in Asian cricket drafted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The PCB developed the model to accommodate all teams ahead of an upcoming cricket event in 2023.

Asia Cup 2023 and the Hybrid Model

The Asia Cup 2023 made hybrid models popular in cricket news. Let’s see the major elements that made it necessary for a host country to allocate games to venues in other countries.

The BCCI’s Opposition to Initial Hybrid Models

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) were against the PCB’s initial hybrid model where few games were scheduled for neutral venues. India’s cricket governing body stirred controversy for months after Pakistan secured hosting rights to Asia Cup 2023.

Chairman of the PCB, Najam Sethi, had to share new proposals to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) reducing total games scheduled to happen in Pakistan. This proposal, although opposed by former Pakistan cricketers, sought to address all BCCI concerns ahead of the cricket showdown in late August 2023.

BCCI officials initially refused the models but agreed shortly after PCB executives were suggesting a similar model for their games at the ODI World Cup 2023. India are the hosts of the 2023 ODI World Cup, and the opposition towards Pakistan’s hybrid model vanished after PCB officials hinted a similar fight back.

Teams Voting to Adopt the Hybrid Model in Asian Cricket

Some arguments gained more traction as the hybrid model battle ensued between BCCI and PCB officials. Commentators opined that all teams in the ACC should vote to adopt or abolish hybrid models in regional cricket.

An ACC officials commented on the situation, highlighting the irrelevance of such a vote. In his words, he claimed all participating countries except India already agreed to play in Pakistan, so a vote is not needed:

“Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan have already told the PCB that they have no issues playing their games in Pakistan. But India is not keen on supporting the hybrid model. Now, the impasse hasn’t been broken and the final decision will only be taken at ACC executive board meeting that Jay (Shah) will have to summon,” he said.

“There has to be a middle of the road solution as you can’t put this hybrid model to vote. I mean if there are six nations playing the event, what is the locus standi of the 19 other nations who won’t play the tournament? On what basis will they vote when they have no stake?” the official concluded.

New Asia Cup 2023 Schedule According to Hybrid Model

All games at the Asia Cup 2023 were scheduled to happen in Pakistan; however, the hybrid model changes things.

Why Did the BCCI Assent to the Hybrid Model for Asia Cup 2023?

Political tensions between India and Pakistan have been ongoing for almost 15 years, hampering relations across borders. A terror event in India orchestrated from Pakistan triggered several harsh sanctions against India’s neighbors. Several of those sanctions, like the permanent ban of Pakistan players from IPL cricket, are still in effect.

Relations between Pakistan and other countries have improved since those terror attacks. However, tensions between India and her neighbors are still quite high since the late 2000s. Pakistan has honored India’s request to play in Indian cities several times, but the BCCI has not traveled to any Pakistani city after 2008.