ISLAMABAD: Jay Shah, the President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), took to Twitter to unveil the much-anticipated schedule for the Asia Cup, just minutes before the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was set to announce it during a press conference. The continental event is scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan.
Shah’s tweet shared the schedule for the Men’s ODI Asia Cup 2023, emphasizing the significance of unity and togetherness among diverse nations. He expressed his excitement about the celebration of cricketing excellence and the bonds that connect the participating countries.
I am happy to announce the schedule for the highly anticipated Men's ODI #AsiaCup2023, a symbol of unity and togetherness binding diverse nations together! Let's join hands in the celebration of cricketing excellence and cherish the bonds that connect us all. @ACCMedia1 pic.twitter.com/9uPgx6intP
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) July 19, 2023
Interestingly, Shah’s announcement came just half an hour before PCB Chair Zaka Ashraf’s press conference, which was intended to unveil the tournament’s schedule and trophy.
Schedule of Asia Cup Matches
According to the schedule revealed by Shah, the Asia Cup will commence with Pakistan facing Nepal in the opening match on August 30 in Multan. Pakistan will host a total of four matches, including a Super 4s fixture.
India’s group stage matches, including the highly anticipated clash against Pakistan scheduled for September 2, will be held in Kandy. The remaining Super 4s matches, including the final, will take place in Colombo.
In the event that both Pakistan and India qualify for the Super 4s, the arch-rivals will once again face each other on September 10 in Colombo. This edition of the Asia Cup holds the possibility of featuring up to three Pakistan-India matches in a single tournament if both teams simultaneously make it to the final, a first in the history of the competition.
The Asia Cup 2023 will feature six teams divided into two groups. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super 4s stage. The tournament will run from August 31 to September 17.
Hosts Pakistan are grouped with arch-rivals India and Nepal, while defending champions and co-hosts Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan make up the other group.
The Asia Cup, played in the ODI format, presents an opportunity for Asian teams to enhance their preparations for the upcoming ICC Men’s World Cup.
30 Aug – Pakistan v Nepal, Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan, Pakistan
31 Aug – Bangladesh v Sri Lanka, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy, Sri Lanka
2 Sep – Pakistan v India, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Kandy, Sri Lanka
3 Sep – Bangladesh v Afghanistan, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Pakistan
4 Sep – India v Nepal, Pallekele International Cricket stadium Kandy, Sri Lanka
5 Sep – Afghanistan v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Pakistan
6 Sep – A1 v B2 (Super-4), Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Pakistan
9 Sep – B1 v B2 (Super-4), R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPICS), Colombo, Sri Lanka
10 Sep – A1 v A2 (Super-4), R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPICS), Colombo, Sri Lanka
12 Sep – A2 v B1 (Super-4), R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPICS), Colombo, Sri Lanka
14 Sep – A1 v B1 (Super-4), R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPICS), Colombo, Sri Lanka
15 Sep – A2 v B2, (Super-4), R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPICS), Colombo, Sri Lanka
17 Sep – Final – 1 v 2, R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPICS), Colombo, Sri Lanka
18 Sep – Reserve day for the final
