Archrivals India and Pakistan will renew their storied rivalry in the upcoming Asia Cup before playing at the grandest stage of them all, the ICC World Cup 2023. The Asia Cup 2023 is planned to take place from August 31st to September 17th. The prestigious competition will be contested in a hybrid format in Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
This will be the first time in 15 years that Asia Cup matches will be played in Pakistan.
The continental cup final will take place on September 17 (Sunday). The Asian Cricket Council has declared that India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Nepal would compete in 13 One Day International (ODI) matches at the Asia Cup. Pakistan will host four Asia Cup matches, while former winners Sri Lanka will host nine games of the showpiece event.
“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,” the Asian Cricket Council said in a statement.
The hybrid approach was implemented after the BCCI voiced concerns about traveling Pakistan for the Asia Cup. Previously, Pakistan was awarded the exclusive right to host the continental event.
According to a recent report, the highest cricket board of India decided to allow Lahore to host four non-India teams in the tournament’s opening round. Because of security concerns, India will not travel to Pakistan, according to BCCI secretary Jay Shah, who is also the ACC chairman.
The Asia Cup 2023 will be divided into two groups, with only two teams advancing to the Super Four stage. The top two teams from the Super Four stage will face off in the Asia Cup final.
Source:HT