India to Clash with Arch-Rivals Pakistan in Asia Cup 2023 Opener; Schedule Unveiled by ACC President Jay Shah

Excitement fills the air as India and Pakistan gear up for an intense battle in the highly anticipated Asia Cup 2023, scheduled to commence on September 2 in Kandy, Sri Lanka. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president and BCCI secretary, Jay Shah, officially unveiled the tournament schedule, confirming the rivals' face-off in the opening match.

The Asia Cup 2023 will be hosted under a hybrid model in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, with Pakistan starting the tournament on August 30 by facing Nepal in Multan. The thrilling competition will witness a total of 13 One-Day International (ODI) matches, culminating in the final clash on September 17 in Colombo.

Featuring six nations – India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Nepal (winners of ACC Men's Premier Cup) – the Asia Cup 2023 will be played in the 50-over format, setting the stage for the Men's ODI World Cup, scheduled to take place in India from October 5 to November 19.

Announcing the schedule on Twitter, Jay Shah emphasized the significance of the Asia Cup in fostering unity and togetherness among diverse nations. He wrote, "I am happy to announce the schedule for the highly anticipated Men's ODI #AsiaCup2023, a symbol of unity and togetherness binding diverse nations together! Let's join hands in the celebration of cricketing excellence and cherish the bonds that connect us all."

The teams have been divided into two groups: Group A consists of India, Pakistan, and Nepal, while Group B includes Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. Notably, the Asia Cup holds vital importance for all teams, except Nepal, as they prepare for the upcoming ODI World Cup.

In this 16th edition of the prestigious tournament, the teams will compete in the group stage, with two teams from each group progressing to the Super Four stage. The top two teams from the Super Four stage will then battle it out in the grand finale.

The action-packed tournament will witness Multan hosting the opening match, followed by Lahore hosting two group stage games and a Super Four match. Kandy in Sri Lanka will also host group matches, including India's clash against Nepal. The capital city, Colombo, will witness the climax, hosting five Super Four games and the thrilling final.

Group Stage

August 30: Pakistan v Nepal - Multan

August 31: Bangladesh v Sri Lanka - Kandy

September 2: Pakistan v India - Kandy

September 3: Bangladesh v Afghanistan - Lahore

September 4: India v Nepal - Kandy

September 5: Afghanistan v Sri Lanka - Lahore

Super Fours

September 6: A1 v B2 - Lahore

September 9: B1 v B2 - Colombo

September 10: A1 v A2 - Colombo

September 12: A2 v B1 - Colombo

September 14: A1 v B1 - Colombo

September 15: A2 v B2 - Colombo

Final - September 17 - Colombo