The possibility of high-stake matches between Pakistan and India has created a buzz on social media
20 July, 2023
PHOTO: AFP
The Asia Cup schedule was finally unveiled on Wednesday, with the India-Pakistan clash set to happen on September 2 in Kandy.
For the first time, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will co-host the event. Both India and Pakistan are placed in Group A, potentially setting the stage for three encounters between the arch-rivals within 19 days in the 16th edition of Asia Cup.
If they qualify for the Super 4s, they will face each other again on September 10 in Colombo, and the final will also be held on September 17 in Colombo.
The possibility of these high-stake matches has created a buzz on social media. India's head coach, Rahul Dravid, shared his thoughts on the schedule during a press conference before their second Test against the West Indies. Dravid, who also coached the Indian side during the last Asia Cup, reinstated on taking one step at a time and not getting ahead of themselves.
"The schedule is out. You have to qualify for the Super Fours to play Pakistan three times. One step at a time; I don't believe in counting my chickens too much," Dravid said.
He emphasized the importance of focusing on the initial matches against Pakistan and Nepal, but also expressed his desire for an India-Pakistan final.
"I know we are going to play Pakistan and Nepal in the first two games, so we need to focus on that. We need to win those games and see where the tournament goes. If we get the opportunity to play them three times, it's fantastic. That would mean we reach the final of the tournament, and hopefully, Pakistan do too," he further added.
Asia Cup 2022 was played in T20 format due to the T20 World Cup scheduled later in the year. In contrast, this year's edition will be played in the fifty-over format, coinciding with the ODI World Cup scheduled for October-November 2023.
