Asia Cup 2023: Dates and Venues Confirmed, ACC Approves Hybrid Model

The 16th edition of the Asia Cup, slated to take place in August and September 2023, will be a thrilling series of One Day Internationals (ODIs) jointly hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka. This tournament will feature the participation of six teams, setting the stage for an intense battle on the cricket field. As a crucial lead-up event to the 2023 Cricket World Cup, the Asia Cup holds immense significance for teams looking to fine-tune their skills and strategies.

The defending champions, Sri Lanka, will aim to defend their title against tough competition from the other participating nations. Notably, this edition of the Asia Cup will adopt a hybrid model, marking a first in its history. Four matches will be held in Pakistan, while the remaining nine matches are scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka. This innovative hosting arrangement adds an exciting element to the tournament and offers fans in both countries the opportunity to witness high-quality cricket action firsthand.

The upcoming Asia Cup will feature the participation of the five full members of the Asian Cricket Council: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Joining them will be Nepal, who secured their spot by emerging victorious in the 2023 ACC Men’s Premier Cup. This marks Nepal’s debut in the ACC Asia Cup, as they have qualified for the tournament for the first time, adding a fresh dynamic to the competition.

In January 2023, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) unveiled the pathway structure and calendar for 2023 and 2024, confirming the tournament’s dates and format. Originally slated for 2021, the Asia Cup had to be postponed to 2023 due to a congested schedule. Pakistan was designated as the host nation for the tournament, ensuring an exciting cricketing spectacle awaits fans.

Tournament History and Significance.

Following discussions held in June 2020 between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), it was decided that Sri Lanka would host the 2020 Asia Cup. This decision was made due to India’s reluctance to travel to Pakistan for the tournament. The ACC released a statement acknowledging the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and stated that the final decision on the venue options for the Asia Cup would be made in due course.

In July 2020, the ACC officially announced the postponement of the 2020 edition. The tournament was rescheduled to be held in Sri Lanka in June 2021. However, in March 2021, the tournament faced the risk of another postponement as India qualified for the final of the World Test Championship, which clashed with the proposed dates in June. Consequently, the Asia Cup was further postponed to 2023.

In May 2021, the ACC confirmed that there would be no Asia Cup held in 2021, and the tournament was deferred until 2023. Initially, Pakistan was set to host the 2022 edition after retaining the hosting rights. However, after a meeting with the ACC in October 2021, it was confirmed by Ramiz Raja that Pakistan would host the tournament in 2023, while Sri Lanka would host the 2022 edition.

In October 2022, Jay Shah, the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), announced that India would not be traveling to Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023 due to the ongoing political tension between the two countries. Despite Pakistan being initially confirmed as the host nation, Shah stated that the tournament would be held at a neutral venue.

The statement made by Jay Shah prompted the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to request an emergency meeting of the ACC board to address this important and sensitive matter. The PCB expressed concerns that India’s decision could have repercussions on Pakistan’s participation in the 2023 Cricket World Cup and other ICC events scheduled to be held in India from 2024 to 2031.

In December 2022, Ramiz Raja, the then Chairman of the PCB, indicated that Pakistan might consider withdrawing from the tournament if their hosting rights were revoked due to India’s unwillingness to travel to Pakistan. However, in January 2023, the ACC confirmed the teams and groups for the tournament, assuring the participation of both India and Pakistan.

In March 2023, a proposal was put forth to keep Pakistan as the host nation for the Asia Cup, but with all India matches, including a minimum of two India-Pakistan contests, to be played at a neutral venue that was yet to be determined. This hybrid model, suggested by Pakistan, faced opposition from Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, who rejected the proposal.

In response, Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Najam Sethi, presented two alternative options. The first option suggested that India play all their matches at a neutral venue while Pakistan hosts the remaining teams. The second option proposed that four group stage matches take place in Pakistan, while the subsequent phase, including matches involving the Indian team and leading up to the final, be played at a neutral venue. Sri Lanka and Bangladesh agreed to the second option.

On June 15, 2023, the Asian Cricket Council officially announced that the Asia Cup would be hosted in a hybrid model. Four matches would be held in Pakistan, while the remaining nine matches would take place in Sri Lanka. This decision ensured a balanced distribution of matches between the two host countries.

Format and Structure of Asia Cup.

On January 9, 2023, the groups and format for the tournament were unveiled, outlining an exciting competition structure. The six participating teams have been divided into two groups of three each. A total of 13 matches will be played throughout the tournament, comprising six league matches, six Super 4 matches, and a final showdown.

Group A consists of India, Pakistan, and Nepal, who earned their place by becoming champions of the 2023 ACC Men’s Premier Cup qualifier event. On the other hand, defending champions Sri Lanka find themselves in Group B alongside Bangladesh and Afghanistan. This grouping sets the stage for intense clashes and fierce rivalries.

The tournament’s progression will see the top two teams from each group advance to the Super 4 stage. Within the Super 4, the leading two teams will face off in a thrilling final match, showcasing their skills and determination to claim the prestigious Asia Cup title. The format ensures a competitive and captivating journey for the participating teams and cricket fans alike.