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Xtra Time Web Desk: The much-awaited Asia Cup 2023 tournament will begin on August 31 in Lahore, Pakistan with the final being staged in Sri Lanka on September 17. The tournament will be played in a hybrid model with the first four matches being staged in Lahore and the remaining nine matches to be played at Kandy in Sri Lanka.

All the top six teams of the sub-continent – India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Nepal will feature in the tournament which will be played in 50 overs format.

This will be the first time since 2008 that matches of a multi-nation cricket tournament will be staged in Pakistan. Fifteen years ago, Pakistan had successfully delivered the six-team ACC Asia Cup 50-over tournament.

Sharing his views, PCB Chairman Najam Sethi said, “I am elated that our hybrid version for the ACC Asia Cup 2023 has been accepted. This means the PCB will remain as the event host and stage matches in Pakistan with Sri Lanka as the neutral venue, which was required due to the India cricket team’s inability to travel to Pakistan.

He added, “I appreciate the efforts of ACC President Jay Shah to strengthen the council so that we can collectively continue to protect each other’s interests and also provide opportunities and platforms to emerging Asian nations.”

The 2023 edition will introduce a revamped format, featuring two groups. Each group will consist of three teams, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the Super Four stage. The Super Four stage will witness intense battles as the teams strive to secure their spot in the grand finale.