The Asia Cup 2023 in September this year is set to take place in a very unique manner. For the first time in the history of the tournament, Pakistan will be the hosts of the event but Team India’s matches will take place at a neutral venue – away from Pakistan.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are in a tussle over the hosting rights for Asia Cup as India have refused to travel to Pakistan for the tournament. Pakistan remain adamant that they are the hosts of the 2023 edition and refused to move the entire tournament to some neutral venue.
According to ESPNCricinfo website, PCB and BCCI are working on a middle path which means Pakistan will host majority of matches but only India’s ties in the Asia Cup are likely to be held at an overseas and neutral venue. “The overseas venue is not confirmed but the UAE, Oman, Sri Lanka and even England are potential contenders to host five matches including at least two India-Pakistan contests,” the report read.
India and Pakistan are grouped together along with a qualifier in the six-nation Asia Cup 2023, scheduled to be held in the first half of September this year and in a 50-over format since it will be followed by the 50-over ICC World Cup 2023 from October 5. Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan are part of the other group.
A total of 13 matches will be played across 13 days including the final. According to the format for the Asia Cup 2022, the top two teams from each group advance to the Super 4s and the top two teams then face off in the final. The possibility of India and Pakistan playing three times remains like in 2022.