Ashish Ranjan
This year’s Asia Cup will be contested in a hybrid format across Pakistan and Sri Lanka, as a result of extensive deliberation. In a meeting presided over by president Jay Shah, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) approved the hybrid format proposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The continental tournament is scheduled to begin on August 31, with Pakistan hosting four matches in Lahore as the pre-designated hosts. Nine matches will be hosted by the defending champions, Sri Lanka, who were unable to host last year’s tournament due to political unrest.
The six participating nations are India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Nepal, and the tournament will begin with two divisions of three teams. According to reports, India and Pakistan are anticipated to be placed in the same group, guaranteeing three possible encounters between the bitter rivals.
The 16th edition of the tournament was in jeopardy after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refused to allow the Indian team to travel to Pakistan, the hosts of the Asia Cup 2023. Pakistan has threatened to withdraw from this year’s ODI World Cup, which will be hosted by India, due to the BCCI’s stance.
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The Asia Cup 2023 is anticipated to test India, Pakistan, and defending champion Sri Lanka’s readiness for the impending ODI World Cup, which will follow the conclusion of the continental tournament. According to a proposed schedule for the ICC’s mega-event, India and Pakistan will face off in a World Cup match at the Narendra Modi Stadium, while renewing their storied rivalry in the Asia Cup.
