Politically Charged ‘India vs. Pakistan’ Asia Cup Matches Will Be Held in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka will host the politically charged India versus Pakistan matches for the upcoming Asia Cup matches, confirmed IPL chairman Arun Dhumal. The highly-anticipated match will be held in Dambulla, Sri Lanka.

Matches that will be played in Pakistan are Afghanistan against Bangladesh, Pakistan against Nepal, Afghanistan against Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh against Sri Lanka. Teams have been divided into two groups, wherein Group A consists of Pakistan, India, and Nepal, and Group B having Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. The Asia Cup 2023 will run from August 31 to September 17, and will follow the 50-over format. 

Dhumal said their secretary Jay Shah met PCB head Zaka Ashraf to finalize the Asia Cup schedule. “The tournament will include four league stage games in Pakistan, followed by nine games in Sri Lanka, including both the India versus Pakistan match, and if applicable, a third game if both teams make it to the final.” 

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In regards to the Indian team traveling to Pakistan, Dhumal said no such discussion was held. “Neither India is traveling to Pakistan, nor our secretary, will be traveling contrary to reports that have surfaced. Only the schedule was finalized.”

Pakistan’s Sports Minister Ehsaan Mazari reportedly said that unless India comes to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, Pakistan will not travel to India for the ODI World Cup. A senior ACC board member told PTI that they are not concerned about the internal happenings of the Pakistan Cricket Board. “All that we know is that PCB is a signatory to the Hybrid Model, which was proposed by their representative, and passed at ACC’s highest body.” 

The official added that PCB had itself issued a press release that four games will be held in Pakistan, and the rest in Sri Lanka.