Earlier quoted context omitted.
It might sound weird to you, but it's correct. Noun ask (plural asks) 1. An act or instance of asking. 2. Something asked or asked for; a request. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/ask
Now try to find it in a real dictionary.
> [WITH ADJECTIVE] informal A demand or situation that requires a specified degree of effort or commitment:
> it is a big ask for him to go and play 90 minutes
> it was a tough ask, but they delivered
Or OED: http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/11505?rskey=xAEeZD&result=1#ei...
> Westm. Papers 1 Nov. 107 Who has not suffered when he has played correctly second hand..from his partner assuming that there has been an ask for trumps?
> 2014 D. Chapman Ascendant lxxiii. 301 A plane? Full of people?.. That is an enormous ask.