Asia Cup 2023 schedule revealed: match timings and full details unveiled
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The long-awaited schedule for the Asia Cup 2023 was finally unveiled last month by Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary and the head of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). Following this, the match timings were officially announced on Tuesday.
This edition of the tournament adopts a hybrid model, as India had earlier declined to travel to Pakistan for the event.
The opening match of the Asia Cup 2023 will kick off with Pakistan facing Nepal in Multan, Pakistan, on August 30. One of the most anticipated clashes, the India-Pakistan match, is scheduled for September 2 in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Another group stage fixture for India, against Nepal, will take place on September 4 at the same venue.
The tournament's official broadcaster, Star Sports, took to Twitter to share the excitement, stating, "IT'S TIME to watch the Asian Giants unite in the #AsiaCup2023! Set your [timings], Mark your [calendars], Prepare yourself for top-notch cricket!"
Pakistan will host three group stage matches and one Super Four stage match, while the remaining matches will be held in Sri Lanka. The grand finale is set to take place in Colombo on September 17.
Structured with two groups, the 2023 edition will see the top two teams from each group advancing to the Super Four stage. During this stage, all teams will engage in a round-robin format. Ultimately, the two teams emerging at the top of the Super Four stage will battle it out in the ultimate showdown – the final.
In an intriguing prospect, India and Pakistan could potentially face each other three times in the Asia Cup, provided results align accordingly. To make this scenario possible, both teams must first qualify for the Super Four stage. Then, if they secure the leading positions in the Super Four stage, they will lock horns once again in the final match.
Comprising India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Nepal, the Asia Cup 2023 promises a dynamic and fiercely competitive display of cricket prowess. The continent's cricket enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the upcoming tournament, as the Asian giants unite to showcase their cricketing excellence on a grand stage.