The ACC had previously announced a hybrid model for the tournament, with four matches scheduled to be held in Pakistan and nine in Sri Lanka from August 31 to September 17.This model was proposed to accommodate the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which had firmly stated its unwillingness to send its team to Pakistan due to the strained relations between the two nations.
However, the recent appointment of Zaka Ashraf as the new PCB cricket committee chief has brought fresh perspectives to the table. Although he was not in charge when the initial Asia Cup dates were announced, Ashraf has made it clear to ACC member board officials, during the recent ICC meetings in Durban, that he intends to press for additional matches to be allocated to Pakistan.
Sources within the PCB indicate that the board’s stance at the ACC meeting will revolve around the unpredictable weather forecasts for the Sri Lankan venues, which are slated to host nine matches of the Asia Cup. Pakistan will argue that due to the potential for rain disruptions in Sri Lanka, they should be allowed to host more than the initially allotted four matches.
It is, however, unlikely that Pakistan will be granted more matches in the tournament. Nevertheless, the PCB is optimistic and hopeful that their request will be considered favourably.
The ACC board is convening to finalise the match schedule for the Asia Cup, and indications suggest that the highly anticipated India-Pakistan encounters will be held in Dambulla, Sri Lanka. Nevertheless, Zaka Ashraf is pushing for a broader distribution of matches, which would allow for the utilisation of additional venues such as Multan, apart from the traditional host city of Lahore.
PCB sources reveal that Ashraf and other officials believe that scheduling the opening match between Pakistan and Nepal in Multan, which is expected to draw a larger crowd compared to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, would create a more vibrant atmosphere for the tournament’s commencement.
The Asia Cup 2023 will feature six teams, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Nepal. The tournament will be divided into two groups, with two teams from each group advancing to the Super Four stage. The top two sides from the Super Four stage will then compete in the final match.
(With inputs from PTI)
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