Schedule for the 2023 Asia Cup to be unveiled soon; India vs. Pakistan match likely to take place in Dambulla, according to reports: The schedule for the Asia Cup 2023 is going to be disclosed as soon as possible by the organizers pondering over potential last-minute changes, particularly the choice of venue for the India-Pakistan Battle. The 15th Edition of the tournament will be played across two centuries- Sri Lanka and Pakistan – After India expressed reservations over traveling across the border to compete.
Pakistan will host the first four matches, possibly in Lahore, before the action is shifted to Sri Lanka for the remaining matches. The tournament has been confirmed to start on 31 August and end with the final on 17 September.
The first four games will most likely take place in Lahore, Pakistan before the remaining games are played in Sri Lanka. It is official that the competition will start on August 31 and end on September 17 with the championship match.
A BCCI official stated to Inside Sport that the intended venue in Colombo might not host owing to monsoon:
We need to discuss a few last-minute details. The members have been informed of the rough schedule. By this week, it should be available. The monsoon season creates problems in Colombo. The India vs. Pakistan game would have been ideal to take place in Colombo, but rain might be a Problem.
In order to better prepare for the 2023 ODI World Cup, the Asia Cup will switch back to the 50-over format. The competition will follow the same format as its first two iterations, with six teams competing in a group stage from which four teams advance to the Super Four stage before the final.
Despite the concerns voiced by the soon-to-be PCB Chairman, the Asia Cup will continue to use the hybrid model
The PCB, under the direction of temporary chairman Najam Sethi, fought valiantly to have the hybrid model approved. As soon as the idea was approved, the new PCB chairman, Zaka Ashraf, expressed his discontent and expressed his desire for Pakistan to host the full tournament.
The BCCI official emphasized that there would be no going back from the hybrid approach under any circumstances:
“Changing the hybrid plan is not an option. Remember that PCB was the one who asked for the hybrid model. They might adopt a different position with each new chairman, but it doesn’t depend on the whims of one person. Among other things, broadcasters and logistics are involved.
After winning the competition in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2022, Sri Lanka is the current defending champion of the Asia Cup.