ACC confirms Asia Cup to be held in Pakistan and Sri Lanka

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has officially confirmed the dates and venues of the 2023 Asia Cup with the tournament due to take place in Pakistan and Sri Lanka from 31 August to 17 September.

The tournament was originally meant to be held in Pakistan but India’s reluctance to tour the country saw Pakistan as the host country come up with a hybrid model.

As reported by Daily FT on  12 June under the headline “Asia Cup 2023 heading Sri Lanka’s way” the hybrid model approved by ACC comprises four of the 13 matches in Pakistan and the remaining nine in Sri Lanka, the venues of which have yet to be decided.

The most likely venues are Dambulla and Pallekele.

The 2023 edition will have India, Pakistan and Nepal in one group, and Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan in another group, with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the Super Four stage. The top two from the Super Four stage will then face off in the final. Matches will be played in the 50-over format as preparation for the ODI World Cup in India in October-November.

Nepal had qualified for the main tournament after beating UAE in the final of the ACC Men’s Premier Cup in Kathmandu earlier in the year.

Sri Lanka are the defending champions, having beaten Pakistan in UAE last year in the final.