Pakistan, India likely to clash on 2nd and 10th September in Asia Cup

The two arch-rivals, Pakistan and India, are set to face off twice in the upcoming Asia Cup 2023.

The first group match between the two teams is likely to be played on September 2nd, while the second match, in the next round, is expected to be played on September 10th. Both matches are likely to be held in either Colombo or Kandy, Sri Lanka.

Pakistan is expected to play their first group match against Nepal on August 30th or 31st in Multan. The opening ceremony of the tournament will also be held in Multan on the same day. Lahore will be another venue for the Asia Cup matches in Pakistan.

If the proposed schedule is approved, then the Pakistan team will immediately depart for Sri Lanka after their first match against Nepal. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan will play their group matches in Pakistan before flying to Sri Lanka for the remaining matches.

The official announcement of the schedule is expected on Wednesday.

The tournament is scheduled to take place from August 31st to September 17th, under the hybrid model put forth by the former management committee of PCB, led by Najam Sethi, after India declined to travel to Pakistan. Despite facing several challenges, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) ultimately approved the hybrid model. Under this approved arrangement, the first four matches of the tournament will be held in Pakistan, followed by a shift to Sri Lanka for nine matches, including the final.

PCB management committee chairman, Zaka Ashraf, had initially expressed strong opposition towards the hybrid model for the Asia Cup. However, he later affirmed that the board would honor its commitment to the ACC and its members and proceed with the “hybrid model” for the Asia Cup. Although Ashraf personally doesn’t fully support this model, he said PCB will respect the decision made by the previous management.

When Ashraf became the chairman of the PCB management committee, he also discussed the possibility of increasing the number of Asia Cup matches to be held in Pakistan, but as expected it won’t be possible. Pakistan will now host four Asia Cup matches, as announced by the Asian Cricket Council.

Meanwhile, PCB’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), Salman Naseer, has been appointed the tournament director of Asia Cup.