New Delhi, 18th July 2023: Cricket fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the upcoming Asia Cup 2023 as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that the fixture for the tournament is set to be revealed later this week. The highly anticipated tournament will kick off on August 31 in Pakistan and then move to Sri Lanka, following the PCB’s proposed hybrid model. The participating teams include India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Nepal, all of whom have emerged as winners of the ACC Men’s Premier Cup. The competition will feature 13 One Day International (ODI) matches, serving as a crucial preparation for the ODI World Cup 2023, scheduled to take place in India later this year.
A recent meeting between the PCB and ACC officials was held on July 15 to finalize the schedule, logistical arrangements, and marketing campaigns for the Asia Cup 2023. The official schedule is expected to be disclosed in the coming week. As the host of the event, the PCB is eagerly looking forward to welcoming cricket enthusiasts from around the world and showcasing Pakistan’s renowned hospitality.
The tournament will follow a two-group structure, with two teams from each group progressing to the next stage known as the “Super Four.” The top two teams from the Super Four stage will then compete in the final match to determine the champion. India and Pakistan have been placed in the same group alongside Nepal, while Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan form the other group. Sri Lanka, as the defending champion of the Asia Cup, will be looking to retain their title, while India previously emerged victorious in the tournament held in the UAE in 2018.
The PCB also highlighted that Zaka Ashraf, Chair of the PCB’s Management Committee, engaged in fruitful meetings with fellow cricket board officials during the ICC meetings. These discussions focused on collaborations and mutually beneficial programs aimed at promoting cricket development and growth.
Regarding the financial distribution model, the PCB expressed its desire for the item to be deferred to the next ICC Board Meeting. However, the majority of members decided not to postpone it and voted in favor of passing the Model. Although the PCB registered its dissent as a fundamental principle, Pakistan’s performance in ICC events and bilateral cricket, along with its significant fan base and associated commercial value, led to the nation being ranked among the top four nations in this Model. As a result, the PCB will receive more than twice the revenue compared to the last cycle, enabling greater investments in developing cricketing skills and propelling Pakistan Cricket to new heights, a decision that has been warmly received by Pakistani fans and the nation as a whole.
