Asia Cup 2023: India and Pakistan in same group; tournament to be staged in September

Xtra Time Web Desk: Arch rivals India and Pakistan are placed in the same group for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023 to be held in September 2023. Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Jay Shah on Thursday (January 5) revealed the groups of the tournament. The venue is yet to be decided.

The two neighboring nations will play each other on four occasions in various age level tournaments organized by ACC. They will first meet in Women’s T20 Emerging Asia Cup in June followed by Men’s Emerging Asia Cup in July and Men’s U19 Asia Cup in December.

“Presenting the @ACCMedia1 pathway structure & cricket calendars for 2023 & 2024! This signals our unparalleled efforts & passion to take this game to new heights. With cricketers across countries gearing up for spectacular performances, it promises to be a good time for cricket!” tweeted Jay Shah.

The organisers of the continental tournament have put India and Pakistan in the same group along with Qualifier 1. While Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan are clubbed in the other group.

Sri Lanka are the reigning champions having beaten Pakistan in the 2022 final held in Dubai International Stadium. India was unable to make it to the final and were sent packing back home after they lost to Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the group stage.

The Asian Cricket Council will organize 145 (ODI and T20I) games during its two-year cycle between 2023-2024. As many as 75 games will be staged in 2023 and 70 games in 2024. The Emerging (U23) Asia Cup is back again.