The recently unveiled Asia Cup 2023 schedule has cricket enthusiasts buzzing with excitement, especially when it comes to the intense rivalry between India and Pakistan. Both teams are slated to clash in their Group A match at Kandy, Sri Lanka, on September 2. However, it seems fate has more encounters in store for them.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Fours stage, where all teams will face off against each other once. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president, Jay Shah, confirmed that Pakistan will be designated as A1, and India as A2, regardless of their positions in the group stage. Consequently, if both teams secure their spots from Group A, they will meet again during the Super Fours stage on September 10 in Colombo.
The stakes get even higher in the Super Fours, as the top two teams will advance to the tournament’s final. If India and Pakistan manage to book their berths in the summit clash, they will cross paths for the third time in the competition on September 17 at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
This six-team ODI tournament, serving as a precursor to the ICC World Cup, is set to commence on August 30 in Multan, where hosts Pakistan will face Nepal.
The Asia Cup adopts a Hybrid Model, with four matches scheduled in Pakistan and nine others, including the final, taking place in Kandy and Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Initially, Pakistan was slated to host this year’s Asia Cup, but due to the Indian cricket board’s reluctance to send a team across the border, the hosting duties were shifted. As a result, Pakistan will now host four matches, while Sri Lanka will be the venue for the remaining nine games.
Following their encounter in the tournament opener, led by Rohit Sharma, Team India will enjoy a one-day break before taking on Nepal on September 4 in Kandy.
Cricket fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the Asia Cup 2023, and with potential multiple showdowns between India and Pakistan, the competition promises to be thrilling and intense.
