The Indian cricket team will not travel to Pakistan to play Asia Cup 2023 matches, and the most anticipated match between the arch-rivals will be played in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, according to a BCCI official on Wednesday.
The Asia Cup schedule has also been finalised, according to BCCI Tresarurer Arun Dhumal, who is currently in Durban for ICC meetings alongside Secretary Jay Shah.
Dhumal also confirmed that Shah met with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Zaka Ashraf and discussed tournament-related issues.
“Our secretary met PCB head Zaka Ashraf and the Asia Cup schedule was finalised and it is on course as it was discussed earlier. There will be four games of league stage in Pakistan, followed by 9 games in Sri Lanka including both India versus Pakistan game and in case a third game if both teams play final,” he said.
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When asked about Pakistani sports minister Ehsan Mazari’s statement, the BCCI official rubbished reports claiming India will travel to neighbouring countries for the tournament.
“There was no such discussion held. Neither India is travelling to Pakistan and our secretary will be travelling contrary to reports that have surfaced. Only the schedule was finalised,” Dhumal maintained.
Asia Cup 2023 schedule
India will likely face Pakistan in Sri Lanka’s Dambulla, just as they did in the 2010 edition, according to the BCCI treasurer.
The only game the Green Shirts will play on home soil is against Nepal; the other three matches are between Afghanistan and Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, and Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.
Lahore is most likely where the Pakistani matches will take place.
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has already declared that the mega-event, which is scheduled to take place from August 31 to September 17, will be conducted using a hybrid format.
