Picture Credit: Twitter
The 50-over Asia Cup is just around the corner; however, the schedule of the continental tournament is yet to be announced. But in a big update, the much-awaited clash between the arch-rivals India and Pakistan is all set to take place in September in Sri Lanka.
Also WATCH: 5 most heated moments in Asia Cup's history
As per the latest version of the draft schedule, the two nations will play in Kandy on September 2 with the hosts playing Nepal in the opener in Multan. As reported by Espncricinfo, the matches featured in the latest version of the draft schedule are unlikely to see any further changes after undergoing several iterations with the update in Pakistan Cricket Board’s hybrid model.
The 13-match tournament which will be played in Pakistan (four matches) and Sri Lanka (nine matches) will kick start on August 30, a day prior to the earlier proposed date by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). While Multan, which was added as the second venue after PCB administration appointed Zaka Ashraf as their new Chairman, will host the opener, whereas Lahore will be staging three matches.
Nepal, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka to play in Pakistan
Apart from India, all the other five nations will play a match in Pakistan as per the draft schedule. While the hosts will play the opener against Nepal on August 30, Bangladesh are set to play Afghanistan on September 3 in Lahore followed by Sri Lanka taking on Afghanistan at the Gaddafi Stadium on September 5. The only Super Four match listed in the draft to be played in Pakistan is on September 6 between A1 and B2.
What if India and Pakistan advance in 2023 Asia Cup?
It is said that Pakistan will remain A1 and India will remain A2 irrespective of where they finish. Additionally, Sri Lanka will remain B1 and Bangladesh will take B2 in that case. Seeing this, if India and Pakistan both advance into the Super Four stage, they will take the field on September 10 in Kandy. While Dambulla remains to be the third venue in Sri Lanka, Colombo will host the final of the 50-over tournament on September 17.
