Asia Cup 2023 is set to commence in Multan, Pakistan, marking the tournament’s return to Pakistan after a hiatus of 15 years.
The event will be co-hosted by Sri Lanka, following a hybrid model approved by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) last month, after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) declined to send its team to Pakistan.
The first match of tournament will be played between Pakistan and Nepal in Multan on August 30
The ACC and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) unveiled the tournament’s schedule, which will run from August 30 to September 17.
Pakistan will host four matches, while Sri Lanka will stage nine matches. The tournament will consist of 13 matches, with four venues being utilized for the event.
After the opening match in Multan, the remaining three matches in Pakistan will be held in Lahore. Sri Lanka will use Kandy for the three first-round matches and Colombo for the five Super-4 stage fixtures and the grand final on September 17.
The fixture between arch-rivals Pakistan and India is scheduled for September 2 in Kandy. If both teams progress to the Super-4 stage, their second faceoff will take place in Colombo on September 10.
Zaka Ashraf, Chairman of the PCB’s interim management committee, expressed delight at the tournament’s schedule announcement, hailing it as the “Asia Cup homecoming” after 15 years.
He assured the fans of top-notch arrangements and hospitality during the event and emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to making it a grand success.
Ashraf also stated that the tournament would serve as excellent preparation for Pakistan’s hosting of the ICC Champions Trophy in February 2025.
Jay Shah, President of the ACC, expressed his excitement about the tournament, emphasizing that it symbolizes a celebration of cricketing excellence and fosters unity and camaraderie among Asian nations.
