BCCI official gives major update regarding Asia Cup schedule

The Asian Cricket Council are preparing to release the schedule of 2023 Asia Cup soon, but they are considering making some last-minute changes, particularly regarding the venue for the highly anticipated India-Pakistan match.

The first four matches of the Asia Cup will be held in Pakistan, and then the tournament will move to Sri Lanka for nine matches, including the final. The scheduled dates for the tournament are from August 31 to September 17.

However, there is uncertainty about the preferred venue in Colombo due to the monsoon season.

A BCCI official expressed concerns about the possibility of rain affecting the India-Pakistan match if it is held in Colombo. Hence, Dambulla is being considered as a possible alternative for the clash between the arch-rivals.

“There are some last-minute details to go over. The tentative schedule has been shared with the members. It should be out by this week. Colombo is an issue due to the monsoon season. We would have ideally hoped for the India vs Pakistan match in Colombo but rain could be an issue," BCCI official was quoted as saying by Inside Sport.

The Asia Cup will maintain the same format as the previous two editions, featuring six teams competing in the group stage. Four teams will then qualify for the Super Four stage, leading to the final.

Zaka Ashraf, a potential future chairman of the PCB, initially opposed the proposed hybrid model for the Asia Cup. However, he later clarified that he would honor the commitment made by the previous management.

The BCCI official confirmed that there would be no change to the hybrid model, regardless of the circumstances. They emphasized that the decision was not based on the whims of any individual, as there are logistical and broadcasting considerations involved.

The defending champions of the Asia Cup are Sri Lanka, who won the title in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2022.