Asia Cup 2023: India vs Pakistan on September 2 in Kandy, final to be played in Colombo on September 17
Xtra Time Web Desk: The Asian Cricket Council has announced the schedule for the Asia Cup 2023, a 50-over cricket tournament featuring six teams: India, Pakistan, Nepal, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. The tournament will be held from August 30 to September 17 and will take place across four venues in Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
The opening match will be played in Multan on August 30, with Pakistan beginning their campaign. One of the most anticipated clashes of the group stage will be between arch-rivals India and Pakistan, scheduled for September 2 in Kandy.
In a significant development, the Asian Cricket Council has adopted a hybrid model for this year's Asia Cup due to political tensions between India and Pakistan. Pakistan will host four matches, while Sri Lanka will host the remaining nine games, ensuring the smooth progression of the tournament.
The teams have been divided into two groups: Group A consists of India, Pakistan, and Nepal, while Group B comprises Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. After the group stage, the top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Four stage.
The Super Four fixtures will take place from September 6 to September 15, with the final scheduled for September 17 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
The ACC has also clarified that if India or Pakistan fail to qualify for the Super Four stage, Nepal will take their place. Similarly, if Bangladesh or Sri Lanka do not qualify, Afghanistan will replace them.
Cricket fans worldwide eagerly await this exciting tournament, where the top teams from Asia will compete for cricketing glory in the prestigious Asia Cup 2023.
