With BCCI vs PCB taking centre stage before India vs Pakistan match, Asia Cup 2023 ended up in a hybrid model. The original host Pakistan will only host four matches with Sri Lanka getting the bulk share. Ahead of the inauguration in Multan on Wednesday with PAK vs NEP, Pakistan captain Babar Azam has fired back at BCCI, saying ODI Asia Cup should have been in Pakistan.
“If you ask me, Asia Cup should’ve only be played in Pakistan, but unfortunately nothing can be done about it,” skipper Babar said at the pre-tournament media conference ahead of the opening match against minnows Nepal.
However, Babar Azam doesn’t want to make a hue and cry about the ‘Hybrid Model’ of hosting the Asia Cup 2023.
Asia Cup 2023: What’s the background?
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have hosting rights for the Asia Cup. But the Asian Cricket Council headed by Jay Shah opted for the ‘Hybrid Model’ where Sri Lanka became the co-host. Even though it was the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that proposed the hybrid option, ACC was happy to accept it. The reason? Indian cricket team would not travel to Pakistan.
And to have Pakistan play at home at least twice, ACC forced a hectic schedule for Babar Azam & Co. Pakistan start on Wednesday (Aug 30) against Nepal in Multan. Then, they fly to Sri Lanka the very next day for the big ticket clash against India at Pallekele on September 2. Within 24 hours (September 3), they are back in Lahore for their Super Four game on September 6 and fly back to Sri Lanka, the next day for the next game on September 9.
“As professionals, we are ready for any schedule that is given to us. There would be travelling as well as back-to-back games and we are ready for that. Our coaches and support staff have chalked out plans about how much we would utilise each player and also we have booked our flights in such a manner, that our travelling schedule gives enough time to rest,” Babar Azam said.
Focus on India vs Pakistan
While Pakistan will open their campaign on Wednesday, the focus remains on Saturday’s India vs Pakistan clash. Even though he didn’t divulge his strategy, he expected that his team would put up the best show possible.
“We want to continue with this momentum. Pakistan’s match against India will be a high-intensity game and we want to play our best cricket on the given day,” he added.
The skipper, rated as one of the premier batters in contemporary cricket, is happy that Pakistan team is currently ranked No. 1 in ODI rankings and also a lot of their players are in top-10.
“I needed to take the team to a different level and change mindset. Now, we have at least 3-4 players in top-10 and when you set a standard, there will be expectations and you have to fulfil those expectations. Performances should be such that the team wins,” he added.
Asia Cup 2023 Schedule – Revised
| Date | Venue | Match | Stage | Match Timing/Result |
| 6 Sep | Lahore | Pakistan vs Bangladesh | Super 4 | 3:00 PM IST (Pak win by 7 wickets) |
| 9 Sep | Colombo | Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh | Super 4 | 3:00 PM IST |
| 10 Sep | Colombo | India vs Pakistan | Super 4 | 3:00 PM IST |
| 11 Sep | Colombo | Reserve Day | (Ind won by 228 runs) | |
| 12 Sep | Colombo | India vs Sri Lanka | Super 4 | (India won by 41 runs) |
| 14 Sep | Colombo | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Super 4 | (Sri Lanka won by 2 wickets) |
| 15 Sep | Colombo | India vs Bangladesh | Super 4 | 3:00 PM IST |
| 17 Sep | Colombo | Final | 3:00 PM IST | |
| 18 Sep | Colombo | Reserve Day |
