Much anticipated India vs Pakistan clash dates in Asia Cup 2023 have been fixed, as per various reports. Both countries are expected to play each other twice in the forthcoming Asia Cup.
The first group encounter between the two teams is slated to take place on September 2nd, with the second match in the next round taking place on September 10th.
Both India vs Pakistan matches are expected to take place in Dambulla or Kandy, Sri Lanka.
India vs Pakistan fixture can happen for the third time in later stages given that both sides advance and then again for the fourth time in the final of the Asia Cup.
Pakistan is scheduled to play Nepal in their opening group encounter on August 30th or 31st in Multan. On the same day, the tournament’s opening ceremony will take place in Multan.
Lahore will serve as yet another location for Asia Cup matches in Pakistan.
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If the proposed itinerary is accepted, the Pakistan squad will depart for Sri Lanka directly following their opening encounter against Nepal. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan will play their group games in Pakistan before going to Sri Lanka for the rest of the tournament.
Also Read: The schedule will be officially announced on Wednesday.
The event would be held from August 31st to September 17th, according to the hybrid format proposed by the old PCB executive committee, led by Najam Sethi, after India declined to travel to Pakistan.
Despite various obstacles, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) eventually adopted the hybrid format. The first four matches of the tournament will be contested in Pakistan, followed by a relocation to Sri Lanka for nine matches, including the final, under this authorised agreement.
Zaka Ashraf, head of the PCB executive committee, had first expressed significant resistance to the hybrid concept for the Asia Cup. He later confirmed, however, that the board will honour its pledge to the ACC and its members by moving forward with the “hybrid model” for the Asia Cup. Although Ashraf does not entirely accept this concept, he stated that PCB will respect the previous management’s decision.
When Ashraf was appointed chairman of the PCB management committee, he explored the potential of expanding the number of Asia Cup matches conducted in Pakistan, but this will not be achievable, as expected. According to the Asian Cricket Council, Pakistan will now host four Asia Cup matches.
Meanwhile, PCB’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), Salman Naseer, has been named Asia Cup’s tournament director.
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