New Delhi: In what comes as massive news, the Asian Cricket Council is likely to accept the PCB’s hybrid model for the Asia Cup. The new model will see as many as four or even five matches being played in Pakistan, while the remaining games, including India’s matches, will be played in Sri Lanka. A report in Cricinfo claims that the Asia Cup will be played in the September 1-17 window. It further states that Lahore will host the Pakistan-led matches of the Asia Cup.
The Asia Cup rift between BCCI and PCB had created a tricky situation for the top cricket boards as well as for the Asian Cricket Council and International Cricket Council. There were numerous reports in the media that the PCB’s hybrid model for the Asia Cup has been rejected and the board has been asked to either play in Sri Lanka or withdraw from the tournament. This had put Pakistan’s participation in the ODI World Cup in India in doubt. The latest developments, however, will increase Pakistan’s chances of taking part in the tournament.
Asia Cup Format: India vs Pakistan Kept In Same Group
The Asia Cup 2023 will have two groups, with India, Pakistan and Nepal kept in one group while Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan being clubbed in the second group. The format of the Asia Cup will be similar to the 2022 edition where the top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super 4 and the top two teams of the Super 4 will play in the final. The official announcement of the above developments will be made soon.