The Asia Cup 2023 is set to go ahead after months of arguments over the best hosting model for group games and knockout matches. This year’s Asia Cup will take place in Sri Lanka and Pakistan from August 31st to September 17th, 2023. The 2-week encounter will adopt a hybrid format for the first time in its history; granting India their wish to avoid touring Pakistan.
India, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and hosts Pakistan will feature in this season’s Asia Cup. The Asia Cricket Council (ACC) has announced that four matches will now take place in Pakistan, with nine other matches scheduled for Sri Lankan cricket grounds.
How Did the ACC Announce the Hybrid Model for Asia Cup 2023?
A statement attributed to the ACC read:
“We are delighted to announce that the Asia Cup 2023 will be held from 31st August to 17th September 2023; and will see the elite teams from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Nepal, compete in a total of 13 exciting ODI matches,”
What is the Format of Asia Cup 2023 After the Hybrid Model Announcement?
The grouping and knockout game format for the Asia Cup 2023 remain unchanged. According to the ACC:
“The tournament will be hosted in a hybrid model with four matches being held in Pakistan; and the remaining nine matches being played in Sri Lanka…The 2023 edition will feature two groups, with two teams from each group qualifying for the Super Four stage.
…The top two teams from the Super Four stage will then face of in the final.
“We look forward to welcoming fans from around the world to witness this celebration of cricket at its finest,”
Why Did the Hybrid Model Become Necessary for Asia Cup 2023?
India’s cricket governing body, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), declared that the national team would not tour Pakistan for Asia Cup 2023 months ago. The BCCI was recommending a total movement of this year’s Asia Cup to another country.
Pakistan’s cricket governing body, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) expressly rejected any move to transfer the Asia Cup 2023 to another country for all games. The recent ACC announcement seems to have rested all disagreements between BCCI and PCB officials concerning venues for the Asia Cup 2023.
Did the PCB Accept the ACC’s Announcement of a Hybrid Model?
The PCB proposed the recently-announced hybrid model announced by ACC officials. In a statement, Najam Sethi, the PCB’s chairman said:
“I am elated that our hybrid version for the ACC Asia Cup 2023 has been accepted. This means the PCB will remain as the event host and stage matches in Pakistan with Sri Lanka as the neutral venue; which was required due to the Indian cricket team’s inability to travel to Pakistan,“
Does the PCB Want India to Play in Pakistan?
PCB chief Najam Sethi was expecting the Men in Blue to tour Pakistan for this year’s Asia Cup. However, he admits the shut-out from India’s end could be politically motivated:
“Our passionate fans would have loved to see the India cricket team in action in Pakistan for the first time in 15 years; but we understand the BCCI’s position. Like the PCB, the BCCI also requires government approval and clearance before crossing borders,“
India has not featured in a competitive cricket game against Pakistan on their home soil for many years. Political tensions between both countries remain at fever pitch, with India blocking off any tour of Pakistan for at least fifteen years.
Why is the BCCI against India Playing Competitive Cricket in Pakistan?
Tensions between the BCCI and PCB got to its highest level in the late 2000s. A terror attack orchestrated on Pakistani soil and carried out in India led to the death of over 100 people with 200+ injured.
India tightened restrictions against Pakistan after that attack and banned all Indian players (through the BCCI) from participating in local Pakistani leagues. The BCCI also bans all Pakistani nationals from featuring in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Political tensions between both countries and long-standing issues continue to plague the relationship their respective cricket boards share.
Who Won the Last Asia Cup?
Sri Lanka are the Asian Cup champions after winning its 2022 edition. The Sri Lankan team beat Pakistan in the final held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. India could not make it past the Super 4 rounds after failing to win their games against both finalists (Sri Lanka and Pakistan)
