It’s Official: Asia Cup 2023 to be played in Sri Lanka and Pakistan

The long-standing speculation surrounding the venue for the highly-anticipated Asia Cup 2023 has finally been put to rest. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has officially declared that the tournament will be played in a hybrid model, with matches scheduled to take place in both Sri Lanka and Pakistan. The event is set to unfold from August 31 to September 17, although the specific dates and venues are yet to be announced. This decision was reached during a pivotal ACC meeting, presided over by Jay Shah.

The BCCI's inability to travel to Pakistan was as the primary reason behind this shift in plans. Pakistan, in response, had initially threatened to withdraw from the ACC and boycott the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023, which is scheduled to be held in India later this year. Eventually, a resolution was reached when the BCCI consented to the hybrid model, ensuring that Pakistan could host their matches in their home country, but Sri Lanka will act as a neutral venue for nine matches.

This ensures that four matches will be held in Pakistan and the remaining nine matches in Sri Lanka. This will be the first time since 2008 that a multi-nation cricket tournament will be staged in Pakistan. Pakistan last hosted the Asia Cup 15 years ago. Najam Sethi, Chair of the PCB Management Committee, has thanked the Asian Cricket Council for accepting his hybrid model.

“I am elated that our hybrid version for the ACC Asia Cup 2023 has been accepted. This means the PCB will remain as the event host and stage matches in Pakistan, with Sri Lanka as the neutral venue, which was required due to the Indian cricket team’s inability to travel to Pakistan," PCB Chairman Najam Sethi said.

“Our passionate fans would have loved to see the India cricket team in action in Pakistan for the first time in 15 years, but we understand the BCCI’s position. Like the PCB, the BCCI also requires government approval and clearance before crossing borders.

“In this background, the hybrid model was the best solution and that’s precisely why I advocated for it so strongly. The acceptance of the hybrid model means the event will take place as originally planned, the ACC will stay together and united, and the great game of cricket will continue to thrive and move forward in what will be interesting and exciting times for the subcontinent cricket fans in the coming 20 months.”