After much delay and uncertainty, the Asia Cup 2023 schedule was finally disclosed on Thursday. The tournament is set to take place in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, following a hybrid model proposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board.
The Asian Cricket Council has officially confirmed the dates from 31 August to 17 September.
A total of 13 One Day International (ODI) matches will be played, involving India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Nepal. Among these, four matches will be held in Pakistan, while the remaining matches will be hosted by Sri Lanka.
Originally, Pakistan was designated as the sole host for the 2023 edition. However, India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan cast doubts on the fate of this continental event. In response, PCB chief Najam Sethi suggested a ‘hybrid model,’ where some matches would be played in Pakistan and the rest in Sri Lanka.
Due to strained political relations between India and Pakistan, bilateral cricket between the two countries has suffered for the past fifteen years. They now only face each other in multi-team tournaments held at neutral venues.
Recently, the Indian cricket board expressed safety concerns and declined to travel to Pakistan for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023 in September. In response, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) proposed a “hybrid model,” suggesting that India play their matches in the United Arab Emirates instead.
Reports indicated that Sri Lanka expressed interest in hosting the entire tournament within their own nation.
The 2023 edition will consist of two groups, with two teams from each group advancing to the Super Four stage. The top two teams from the Super Four stage will then compete in the final match.
The tournament will include six teams: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Nepal. A total of 13 ODI matches will be played in the event.
This year, the tournament will be structured with two groups, each consisting of three teams. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Four stage.
