The Asia Cup 2023 is scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka and Pakistan from 31 August to 17 September. For the first time in the history of the championship, the tournament will be conducted using a hybrid model.
The Asia Cup will feature participation from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Nepal. Nine games will be played in Sri Lanka while only four games will be played in Pakistan.
“We are delighted to announce that the Asia Cup 2023 will be held from 31st August to 17th September 2023 and will see the elite teams from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Nepal, compete in a total of 13 exciting ODI matches,” The ACC was quoted as saying in a statement.
The group stage will be followed by the Super 4 four stages, after which the final will take place on September 17.
“The tournament will be hosted in a hybrid model with four matches being held in Pakistan, and the remaining nine matches being played in Sri Lanka.
“The 2023 edition will feature two groups, with two teams from each group qualifying for the Super Four stage. The top two teams from the Super Four stage will then face off in the final.
We look forward to welcoming fans from around the world to witness this celebration of cricket at its finest,” the ACC added.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which made the announcement earlier, stated that the Indian team would not be visiting Pakistan. The Asia Cup’s relocation outside of Pakistan was also rejected by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). For the time being, the ACC has dispelled any confusion regarding the championship’s locations.
The previous Asia Cup was won by Sri Lanka in 2022 after they defeated Pakistan in the championship match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. After losing to Sri Lanka and Pakistan in the Super 4 round, India was unable to advance to the final.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Najam Sethi said he understood BCCI’s position after the ACC announced a hybrid model for the Asia Cup.
“I am elated that our hybrid version for the ACC Asia Cup 2023 has been accepted. This means the PCB will remain as the event host and stage matches in Pakistan with Sri Lanka as the neutral venue, which was required due to the Indian cricket team’s inability to travel to Pakistan,” Sethi said in a statement.
“Our passionate fans would have loved to see the India cricket team in action in Pakistan for the first time in 15 years, but we understand the BCCI’s position. Like the PCB, the BCCI also requires government approval and clearance before crossing borders,” he stated.