The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is poised to give the green light to the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) innovative hybrid model for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023, which will see Sri Lanka serve as the primary neutral venue. According to a report by the Press Trust of India, the ACC is expected to officially announce this decision soon.
Pakistan to Host Four Matches, Remaining Games in Sri Lanka
Under the proposed hybrid model, Pakistan will have the opportunity to host four matches of the Asia Cup on their home soil, while the rest of the tournament will take place in Sri Lanka. The Gadaffi Stadium in Lahore has been designated as the venue for four non-India games, including Pakistan vs. Nepal, Bangladesh vs. Afghanistan, Afghanistan vs. Sri Lanka, and Sri Lanka vs. Bangladesh. The remaining fixtures, including the highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan clashes and the Super Four games, will be held in either Pallekele or Galle, Sri Lanka.
Asia Cup 2023: Schedule and Teams
The Asia Cup 2023 is scheduled to take place from September 1 to 17. The tournament will serve as a preparation event for the ODI World Cup and will be played in the 50-over format. Group 1 consists of Pakistan, India, and Nepal, while Group 2 features defending champions Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Four stage, following a similar format to last year’s edition.
Pakistan’s Hybrid Model: A Solution Amidst Controversy
The PCB’s hybrid model comes as a result of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refusing to send their team to Pakistan for the Asia Cup. This decision is part of the ongoing strained relations between the two countries, with India not touring Pakistan since 2008. The last bilateral series occurred in 2012 when Pakistan visited India for limited-overs matches. Consequently, encounters between the two nations have been limited to ICC and ACC events in recent years.
Looking Ahead: World Cup and Future Matches
Following the approval of the hybrid model for the Asia Cup, there are indications that Pakistan might also travel to India for this year’s World Cup. The cricketing rivalry between the two nations has garnered immense attention worldwide, and fans eagerly anticipate more bilateral contests in the future.
With the Asia Cup 2023 adopting an innovative approach and incorporating Sri Lanka as a neutral host, cricket enthusiasts are gearing up for a thrilling tournament. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting matchups in the days to come.
Published in PakWeb, June 11th, 2023.
Stay informed and engaged with the PakWeb by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and participating in our Discussion Forums.
