The Asia Cup 2023, a cricket tournament among six Asian countries, will be co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) announced on Thursday. Pakistan was the original host of the event, but India refused to play there due to political tensions. Therefore, Pakistan suggested a hybrid model, where India’s matches will be played in Sri Lanka, a neutral venue. The ACC accepted this proposal and said that the tournament will take place from August 31 to September 17, 2023.
The Asia Cup 2023 will feature India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Nepal. They will play a total of 13 one-day matches. Four matches will be held in Pakistan, and nine matches will be played in Sri Lanka.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee Chair Najam Sethi said that he was happy that the hybrid model was accepted. He said that this was the best solution for the event and for the unity of the ACC. He also said that Pakistan would have loved to host India, but they understood the situation of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which needs government approval before travelling abroad.
Sethi thanked the ACC for giving Pakistan the hosting rights and said that they would work hard to deliver a successful event. He also said that the Asia Cup 2023 would be a good preparation for the teams before the World Cup 2023 in India.
He also appreciated the efforts of ACC President and BCCI Secretary Jay Shah to strengthen the council and support emerging Asian nations.