The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has confirmed the venue and tournament date for Asia Cup 2023. ACC has approved Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)’s proposed hybrid model.
Nepal, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan are set to compete in the 13-match tournament.
The tournament will be held from 31st August to 17th September 2023. Four matches of the tournament will be played in Pakistan, while the other nine will be played in Sri Lanka.The detailed schedule is yet to be announced.
Hence, Nepal will play against Pakistan on their home soil, while their other group-stage match against India will be in Sri Lanka.
The hybrid model was proposed as a solution because India were unwilling to travel to Pakistan. Initially, Pakistan suggested the UAE as a second venue, but Bangladesh raised concerns about extreme weather in the Middle East during September.
Asia Cup, which will be played in the 50-over format, serves as a preparation for the World Cup 2023 in India. Pakistan, Nepal and India are placed in Group A, while Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are in Group B.
The Asia Cup is set to feature a total of 13 matches, including the final, which will take place over a span of 13 days. The two highest-ranking teams from each group will progress to the Super 4s round. From there, the top two teams will compete in the final match. If India and Pakistan both secure their spots in the final, there is a chance that they could face each other three times throughout the tournament.
Nepal qualified for the Asia Cup, being the champions of the ACC Premier Cup. Nepal defeated UAE on the reserve day of the final at TU Cricket Ground to ensure a spot in the tournament.
