Asia Cup 2023 Schedule Announced: India-Pakistan Blockbuster on Sep 2 at Kandy

New Delhi: The eagerly awaited schedule for the men’s Asia Cup was revealed, featuring the highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan on September 2 in Kandy. Speculation surrounded the event as India’s matches were initially scheduled in Pakistan. However, after discussions between BCCI and PCB officials in Durban, it was decided that India would play their games in Sri Lanka.

The tournament kicks off on August 30 in Kandy, where co-hosts Pakistan will face Nepal in the opener. The final match is scheduled for September 17 in Colombo. India, Pakistan, and Nepal form Group A, while Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan make up Group B, with all matches played in the ODI format.

I am happy to announce the schedule for the highly anticipated Men's ODI #AsiaCup2023, a symbol of unity and togetherness binding diverse nations together! Let's join hands in the celebration of cricketing excellence and cherish the bonds that connect us all. @ACCMedia1 pic.twitter.com/9uPgx6intP

— Jay Shah (@JayShah) July 19, 2023

For the first time, the Asia Cup will be co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka, with four matches in Pakistan and nine in Sri Lanka. This is also the first time the tournament has been hosted in the sub-continent since 2016. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super Fours, leading to a potential meeting between India and Pakistan thrice in a fortnight. Additionally, they will also face each other in the ICC World Cup in Ahmedabad on October 15.

Nepal makes its debut in the 16th edition of the Asia Cup after qualifying in May by defeating the UAE in the final of the ACC Men’s Premier Cup. Currently, the Nepalese senior team is participating in the Emerging Team Asia Cup.