The Asia Cup 2023 promises three potential India-Pakistan clashes on September 2, 10, and possibly in the final on September 17. With both teams grouped alongside Nepal, a Super 4 match is highly likely, while a third encounter in the final is possible.
Kandy and Colombo in Sri Lanka will host the significant group and Super 4 clashes. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revealed four venues instead of three for the event. India’s match days are September 4 (vs. Nepal), September 12 (vs. Sri Lanka/Afghanistan), and September 15 (vs. Bangladesh/Afghanistan).
Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium will be the second hosting venue in Sri Lanka. The championship commences in Multan on August 30 with a Pakistan-Nepal clash, followed by three games in Lahore, including a second-round Super 4 match. Sri Lanka will host a total of nine games.
The schedule for the Men's Asia Cup 2023 has been announced 📆 pic.twitter.com/JxYyEZ4pjc
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) July 19, 2023
A unique feature is that the tournament will not follow a caravan model, with the ACC arranging charter and commercial flights for logistical needs. The absence of semifinals means India’s crucial matches will be against Sri Lanka on September 12 and Bangladesh on September 15 in the Super 4 stage.
The Sri Lanka leg of the championship begins on August 31 in Kandy with the home team facing Bangladesh. Afghanistan starts their campaign against Bangladesh on September 3 in Lahore, where Pakistan will also play two games, one of which could be a potential Super 4 clash against Bangladesh or Afghanistan.
ASIA CUP SCHEDULE
| Group A | Group B |
|---|---|
| India | Sri Lanka |
| Pakistan | Bangladesh |
| Nepal | Afghanistan |
Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary, expressed excitement for the Men’s ODI Asia Cup 2023, uniting Asian nations in cricketing excellence. Zaka Ashraf, the PCB chair, highlighted Pakistan’s anticipation for the tournament, considering it a homecoming after 15 years, and looked forward to the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.
Fixtures
| Date | Matches |
|---|---|
| August 30 | Pakistan vs Nepal in Multan |
| August 31 | Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka in Kandy |
| September 2 | Pakistan vs India in Kandy |
| September 3 | Bangladesh vs Afghanistan in Lahore |
| September 4 | India vs Nepal in Kandy |
| September 5 | Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka in Lahore |
| September 6 | Pak/Nepal vs Bangladesh/Afghanistan (Super 4) |
| September 9 | SL/Afg vs Bang/Afg in Colombo (Super 4) |
| September 10 | India/Nep vs Pak/Nep in Colombo (Super 4) |
| September 12 | India/Nep vs SL/Afg in Colombo (Super 4) |
| September 15 | India/Nep vs Ban/Afg in Colombo (Super 4) |
| September 17 | FINAL |
Stay tuned for more updates on ASIA Cup.
