KATHMANDU: Star Nepal spinner Sandeep Lamichhane has started his journey to Pakistan to participate in the upcoming Asia Cup 2023, scheduled to commence on August 30.
Taking to microblogging website X, formerly Twitter, Lamichhance announced his departure to Pakistan for this year’s Asia Cup.
“Off to [Pakistan]. Have so many wonderful memories of being in Pakistan before. Really excited and looking forward to the Asia Cup,” wrote Lamichhane.
“Special thanks to the Member Secretary of Nepal Sports Council Mr. Tanka Lal Ghising Sir for your kind gesture. Tons of love to all the well-wishers,” he added.
Off to 🇵🇰. Have so many wonderful memories of being in Pakistan before. Really excited and looking forward to the Asia Cup. Specail thanks to the Member Secretery of Nepal Sports Council Mr. @TankaLalGhising Sir for your kind gesture. Tons of love to all the well wishers.… pic.twitter.com/mkulVpmST9
— Sandeep Lamichhane (@Sandeep25) August 28, 2023
According to the details, Sandeep Lamichhane could not accompany the rest of the Nepal squad which reached the country on August 30 due to his case hearing.
Upon his arrival, Lamicchane will join the Nepal squad and will train alongside them on Tuesday, a day prior to their Asia Cup 2023 campaign opener against hosts Pakistan.
This year’s Asia Cup will kick off with host Pakistan taking on Nepal in the curtain raiser on August 30 in Multan.
Pakistan will host a total of four matches including a Super 4s fixture.
India’s group stage matches including the anticipated clash against Pakistan, scheduled on September 2, will be held in Kandy while the rest of the Super 4s matches, including the final will be played in Colombo.
The arch-rivals Pakistan and India will come face to face again on September 10 in Colombo if both manage to qualify for the Super 4s.
Like the previous edition, the Asia Cup schedule holds a possibility of treating the cricket fans with a maximum of three Pakistan-India matches in a single tournament if both arch-rivals, in a first, simultaneously qualify for the final.
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.