Breaking: Asia Cup to be held in Pakistan and Sri Lanka
After days of having conflicts surrounding the venue for the 2023 Asia Cup, the Asian Cricket Council has come to a decision. As per the committee, the Asia Cup will be conducted in Pakistan and Sri Lanka from August 31 to 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,” the Asian Cricket Council said in a statement.
The hybrid model has come into effect after the BCCI expressed its reservations about touring Pakistan for the Asia Cup. Earlier, former champions Pakistan were given the right to entirely host the continental tournament.
“I am elated that our hybrid version for the ACC Asia Cup 2023 has been accepted. This means that the PCB will remain as the host and stage matches in Pakistan and Sri Lanka as the neutral venue, which was required due to the Indian team’s inability to travel to Pakistan, ” said PCB boss Najam Sethi.
The Asian Cricket Council has confirmed that India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Nepal will participate in the tournament and play a total of 13 ODI (One Day International) matches at the Asia Cup. Four matches of the Asia Cup will be played in Pakistan (Lahore) while former champions Sri Lanka (Kandy and Pallekele)will host nine games of the showpiece event.
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 final will take place on Sunday, September 17.