The Asia Cup 2023 Schedule was finally released on Wednesday after a months-long battle between the Indian and Pakistani cricket boards. Pakistan retained the hosting rights but will only host four out of the 13 matches in this biennial competition. The other teams participating in the tournament include Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
The tournament will kick off on August 30 with Pakistan taking on Nepal in Multan. Three more matches will be held in Lahore, including a highly anticipated Pakistan Super 4 match on September 6. All other matches will be played in Sri Lanka, with three in Kandy and six in Colombo, including the final on September 17.
However, the highlight of the schedule is the blockbuster showdown between arch-rivals India and Pakistan, which is set to take place on September 2 in Kandy. Another clash between the two teams is expected during the Super 4 stage on September 10 in Colombo.
The commercial success of the Asia Cup largely depends on the matches between India and Pakistan, as the format has been tailored to ensure these teams face each other at least twice. Both teams are placed in the same group with the Associate side, Nepal. Regardless of their performance in the group stage, Pakistan will remain A1 and India A2 to accommodate India’s request to play in a neutral venue.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) insisted on a hybrid model for the tournament, allowing four matches to be saved from hosting in the country. However, the success of this outcome is being questioned in cricket circles in Pakistan, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had made it clear last October that they would not play in Pakistan. PCB has undergone three regime changes, each advocating for a slightly different deal, in order to reach this point.
The Asia Cup has been historically dominated by the friction between India and Pakistan. Out of the 15 editions held since its inception in 1984, the tournament has been played in India and Pakistan only once each. The last time the Asia Cup was held in Pakistan was in 2008, which also marked the last time the Indian cricket team played there.
BCCI Secretary and Chairman of the Asian Cricket Council, Jay Shah, expressed that the Asia Cup symbolizes unity and togetherness among different countries in a tweet.
From a cricket standpoint, the tournament holds significant importance as it is played in the ODI format and serves as a dress rehearsal for teams ahead of the World Cup, which is scheduled to begin in India on October 5. This competition allows teams to fine-tune their skills and strategies before the mega event.
In conclusion, the official schedule of the Asia Cup 2023 has been announced, paving the way for an exciting clash between India and Pakistan on September 2. The tournament will be held in a hybrid model, with Pakistan hosting four matches and the remaining matches taking place in Sri Lanka. The Asia Cup serves as a crucial platform for teams to prepare for the upcoming World Cup and fosters unity among cricket-playing nations.
