With the dust over World Cup 2023 settled, the time is for Asia Cup 2023 Schedule. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is in talks with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to finalise the venues. The schedule is likely to be announced this week. The delay is over the venues. Lahore and Dambulla are favourites to host games. Colombo was the preferred choice but the monsoon season has forced a change in plan. However, a final decision on venues in Sri Lanka will be made this week.
“There are some last-minute details to go over. The tentative schedule has been shared with the members. It should be out by this week. Colombo is an issue due to the monsoon season. We would have ideally hoped for the India vs Pakistan match in Colombo but rain could be an issue,” a BCCI official told InsideSport.
With the hybrid model getting ACC’s nod, Pakistan will host the first four games. All matches are set to be played in Lahore before the tournament and teams shift to Sri Lanka. The tournament begins on August 31 with the final on September 17 in Sri Lanka.
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The highly anticipated India vs Pakistan game will also take place in Dambulla. But a final decision is awaited on the same. Before the Sri Lanka leg of the tournament, there will be a 2-3 day gap. India will begin their campaign against host co-Sri Lanka likely on September 6.
No change Asia Cup 2023 Hybrid Model
Pakistan cricket’s incoming chairman Zaka Ashraf raised issues with ACC’s hybrid model, which was proposed by previous PCB chief Najam Sethi.
“The first point is that I had rejected the hybrid model in the past itself – because I do not agree with it. The board of the Asian Cricket Council had decided that it should be held in Pakistan, then we should host it,” Ashraf said during a press conference last month.
However, ACC has rejected any change in plans. With Ashraf entangled in a legal battle, the PCB chairman position is currently vacant. That is one reason why the entire scheduling process is taking longer than expected.
“There is no question of changing the hybrid plan. Don’t forget it was PCB who requested the hybrid model. They may change stance with every new chairman but it does not work on the whims of one person. There is logistics, broadcasters, among other things that are involved,” the official said.
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