After a long tussle between BCCI and PCB, Asia Cup 2023's schedule finally got announced on Thursday (June 15). The marquee tournament will be played between August 31 to September 17. The whole drama surrounding Asia Cup's venue finally came to an end as the proposal for hybrid model to stage the showpiece event was accepted by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
Notably, the first four matches of Asia Cup 2023 will be played in Pakistan and then will move to Sri Lanka for the last nine ties.
PCB boss reaction after hybrid model's approval
Meanwhile, exhilarated by the approval of hybrid model, Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi thanked ACC president Jay Shah for helping through the process and chalking out plans for Asia Cup schedule. He also said that he understands Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) position in terms of getting government's clearance before crossing the border.
"I am elated that our hybrid version for the ACC Asia Cup 2023 has been accepted. This means the PCB will remain as the event host and stage matches in Pakistan with Sri Lanka as the neutral venue, which was required due to the Indian cricket team's inability to travel to Pakistan," Najam Sethi said in a statement from Pakistan Cricket Board.
"Our passionate fans would have loved to see the India cricket team in action in Pakistan for the first time in 15 years, but we understand the BCCI's position. Like the PCB, the BCCI also requires government approval and clearance before crossing borders," he added.
Asia Cup 2023's format
Notably, Asia Cup 2023 will be played in the ODI format which will see six teams (India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Nepal) crossing swords with each other. 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 lock horns in the title clash.
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.
Sethi all praise for Jay Shah
"I appreciate the efforts of ACC President Jay Shah to strengthen the council so that we can collectively continue to protect each other's interests and also provide opportunities and platforms to emerging Asian nations," he added.
"In this background, the hybrid model was the best solution and that's precisely why I advocated for it so strongly. The acceptance of the hybrid model means the event will take place as originally planned, the ACC will stay together and united, and the great game of cricket will continue to thrive and move forward in what will be interesting and exciting times for the subcontinent cricket fans in the coming 20 months," he concluded.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
'I will tell you the truth..': MSK Prasad hits back at Ambati Rayudu, breaks silence on 'Only MSK can tell...' remark
Ashes 2023: ‘There are big question marks on Warner’ — Aussie legend's scathing attack on David ahead of gruelling Test series vs England
