The highly-anticipated Asia Cup 2023 match between India and Pakistan is likely to be played on September 2 in Kandy, Sri Lanka. According to a draft schedule accessed by ESPNCricinfo, the first match of the 2023 Asia Cup is scheduled to be played in Multan, Pakistan while the final of the competition is likely to stage in Colombo, Sri Lanka. As per the draft schedule, Pakistan and Nepal will play the opening match of the continental competition on August 30.
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is likely to make certain tweaks to the draft schedule before an official schedule in announced. The governing body had earlier confirmed that the competition will be staged as per the 'hybrid model'. As a result, Pakistan will host four matches of the tournament while the remaining nine matches will be played in Sri Lanka.
The four Asia Cup matches scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan will take place across two venues in the country. One match will be played in Multan while Lahore will stage three contests, as per the draft schedule.
As per the format, the six teams will be divided into two groups with each group having three teams each. The top two teams from each group will then qualify for the Super Four stage. The top two teams from the Super Four stage will then cross swords in the title clash.
In case India and Pakistan both qualify for the Super Fours, the arch-rivals will once again cross swords on September 10 in Candy, Sri Lanka.
A total of 13 matches will be played in the tournament. The 2023 Asia Cup will be played in a 50-over format and will serve as a preparation ground for the ODI World Cup which is scheduled to take place later in the year.
The last edition of the Asia Cup was played in T20 format in 2022. Under the leadership of Dasun Shanaka, Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan in the final and lifted the prestigious continental trophy.
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