The ACC has finally accepted Pakistan’s hybrid model which means the Asia Cup will now be played in two countries i.e. Pakistan & Sri Lanka. Four matches of the Asia Cup 2023 will be played in Pakistan & remaining nine matches will be played in Sri Lanka. After much chaos & opposition by BCB, BCCI & SLC, PCB managed to get their hybrid model approved by the ACC which is headed by Jay Shah. The marquee event will be played from August 31 to September 17.
The six teams of the Asia Cup have been divided into two groups each with the top two from each group proceeding to the Super Four stage. The top two teams will march into the finals. Notably, India & Pakistan are expected to be in the same group so that cricket fans get a chance to witness at least three highly anticipated India vs Pakistan fixtures in the 13-match championship. Meanwhile, Lahore has been fixed as the venue for Pakistan’s leg of Asia Cup 2023 while the venues for Sri Lanka are yet to be appointed. Initially, it was understood that the fixtures will be held in Colombo but after analyzing that the weather at that part of the year would be unfriendly during early September the ACC & SLC are expected to move the fixtures to Hambantota & Pallekele.
Apart from India & Pakistan, Sri Lanka, bangaldesh, Afghanistan & Nepal would compete in the tournament. The prestigious tournament will act as preparatory grounds for the teams with ODI World Cup to be held in India during the October and November window.
Initially, the BCCI refused PCB’s Hybrid Model for Asia Cup 2023
The Asia Cup 2023 has been the house of controversies since Pakistan has been declared as the host of the championship. With BCCI refusing to send India for Asia Cup 2023, PCB proposed a hybrid model whereby they planned of hosting India fixtures in UAE. However, BCCI, BCB & SLC rejected the proposal due to logistical issues. After deliberate discussion, the ACC & other member boards have finally agreed on Pakistan’s hybrid model. It’s understood that the ACC & member nations have agreed upon PCB’s hybrid model considering their participation in the World Cup 2023. This is because Pakistan had stated that if they were not allowed to host the Asia Cup 2023 then they will probably not travel to India for World Cup 2023.
