Four Asia Cup matches in Pakistan; remaining 9 in Sri Lanka
The dates and venues for the 2023 Asia Cup have lastly been formally confirmed, with the event set to happen in Pakistan and Sri Lanka between August 31 and September 17. An in depth schedule, nevertheless, has not but been launched.
The event was initially meant to be held fully in Pakistan however a hybrid mannequin grew to become essential after the BCCI stated India wouldn’t journey to Pakistan. As reported by ESPNcricinfo, within the hybrid mannequin authorised by the Asian Cricket Council, 4 of the 13 matches will likely be performed in Pakistan and the remaining 9 in Sri Lanka.
This would be the first time since 2008 that matches of a multi-nation event will likely be staged in Pakistan. “I am elated that our hybrid version for the ACC Asia Cup 2023 has been accepted,” Najam Sethi, chair of the PCB administration committee, stated. “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.
“Our passionate followers would have beloved to see the India cricket workforce in motion in Pakistan for the primary time in 15 years, however we perceive the BCCI’s place. Like the PCB, the BCCI additionally requires authorities approval and clearance earlier than crossing borders.
“I now look forward to continuing our discussions and deliberations with the ACC and Sri Lanka Cricket to iron out a few minor operational and logistical details so that we can launch our event planning and preparations.”
The 2023 version can have India, Pakistan and Nepal in a single group, and Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan in one other group, with the highest two groups from every group qualifying for the Super Four stage. The high two from the Super Four stage will then face off within the ultimate. Matches will likely be performed within the 50-over format as preparation for the ODI World Cup in India in October-November.
The hybrid mannequin was proposed as an answer attributable to India refusing to tour Pakistan owing to strained political relations between the 2 nations. The PCB, as appointed hosts, had been eager to make sure that not less than a part of the event was performed in Pakistan. The UAE was within the operating as a impartial venue however Bangladesh raised issues over the acute climate there in September.
Sri Lanka are the defending champions, although the 2022 occasion was performed within the 20-over format. The final 50-over Asia Cup was performed in 2018 within the UAE, the place India beat Bangladesh in an exhilarating ultimate.