The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has officially announced the dates for the Asia Cup 2023, scheduled to be played from August 31st to September 17th, 2023. After initial doubts about Pakistan’s participation, the approved Hybrid model proposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has resolved the issue.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka will co-host the 2023 edition, with Pakistan hosting four matches and the remaining nine matches taking place in Sri Lanka. The ACC confirmed the tournament’s format, which will follow the same structure as the previous edition, including a group stage, Super 4 stage, and a final.
Unlike the previous edition, the Asia Cup 2023 will be played in the One-Day International (ODI) format. The tournament serves as preparation for the ODI World Cup 2023, scheduled to be held in India in October-November.
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In an ACC statement, it was announced, “We are delighted to announce that the Asia Cup 2023 will be held from 31st August to 17th September 2023 and will see the elite teams from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Nepal compete in a total of 13 exciting ODI matches.” The statement also confirmed the hybrid model, with four matches to be held in Pakistan and the remaining nine matches in Sri Lanka.
Dates and venues have been finalised for the Asia Cup 2023! The tournament will be held from 31st August to 17th September in a hybrid model – with 4 matches being held in Pakistan and the rest in Sri Lanka! https://t.co/bvkfSSAp9w#AsiaCup #ACC
— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) June 15, 2023
The statement further explained the tournament’s structure, stating, “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.”
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Earlier, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had clarified that the Indian team would not travel to Pakistan, leading to concerns about the participation of Pakistan in the tournament. However, the PCB chief, Najam Sethi, insisted on a hybrid model, allowing both Pakistan and Sri Lanka to co-host the tournament. This decision has fulfilled the wishes of both the PCB and the BCCI, and fans can look forward to the highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan in the tournament.
