Much-anticipated Pakistan vs India clash in the upcoming Men’s Asia Cup will take centre stage at Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, the Indian Premier League (IPL) head Arun Dhumal asserted.
Dhumal, who is also a member of the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) provided a major update regarding the schedule of this year’s Asia Cup, stating that it has now been finalised following the meeting of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) head Zaka Ashraf and his BCCI counterpart Jay Shah in Durban.
Dhumal further said India will not travel to Pakistan to play the high-voltage game between the two arch-rivals. The Pakistan vs India match will likely be played in Dambulla, Sri Lanka.
“Our secretary met PCB head Zaka Ashraf and the Asia Cup schedule was finalised and it is on course as it was discussed earlier,” said Dhumal. ”
Fans are anticipating a tough contest between Pakistan and India this year as both teams will meet at least twice in men’s cricket in the calendar.
Meanwhile, the IPL head also brushed aside former PCB chief Najam Sethi’s claim that Pakistan will play at least two Asia Cup fixtures in Pakistan, stating that the host nation will only take on Nepal at their home ground.
“There will be four games of league stage in Pakistan, followed by nine games in Sri Lanka including both India versus Pakistan game and in case a third game if both teams play final,” Dhumal said.
The upcoming edition of the Asia Cup features six teams, divided into two groups, the top two teams from each group will then qualify for the Super 4s. The continental event will run from August 31 to September 17.
Hosts Pakistan are placed in the same group as arch-rivals India and Nepal while the other group includes defending champions and co-hosts Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.
The Asia Cup 2023 will be played in the ODI format and will serve as an opportunity for the Asian teams to bolster their preparations for the upcoming ICC Men’s World Cup.
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