ACC announces dates, venues of 2023 Asia Cup

Asian Cricket Council (ACC) on Thursday announced 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. Of particular significance is Nepal's participation, as it marks their first-ever appearance in an Asian event.

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.

Under the hybrid model, Pakistan versus Nepal, Bangladesh versus Afghanistan, Afghanistan versus Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka versus Bangladesh are likely to be held at the Gadaffi Stadium in Lahore.

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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 off in the final.

This tournament holds great importance for the Asian teams as it will serve as valuable preparation for the ICC World Cup, which will take place in India.

Previously, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had declined to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, citing security concerns. In order to ensure the hosting rights of the event were preserved, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) proposed two options in a hybrid model. The first option involved India playing their matches at a neutral venue, while all other matches would be held in Pakistan. The second option suggested that four group stage matches in the first phase be played in Pakistan, with the subsequent phase, including matches featuring the Indian team and the final, taking place at a neutral venue.

Ultimately, the second option of the hybrid model has been accepted. The organizers will soon announce the complete schedule of the tournament, providing further details on the matches and venues.