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Sri Lanka the reigning Asia Cup champions
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) on Thursday said that the Asia Cup, to be played in 50-over format, will be held in September this year, though the itinerary and the host country have not been announced yet.
Pakistan is the original host of the Asia Cup this year, but the BCCI is not keen on playing there owing to political tension between the two countries.
The then Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ramiz Raja had opposed the BCCI’s stand and even threatened a boycott of the 50-over World Cup in India.
But following a change of guard in the PCB, with Raja being replaced by Najam Sethi, there could be some positive development.
The Asia Cup 2023 will be a six-team affair involving India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and a qualifier team.
Sri Lanka are the defending Asia Cup champions in the UAE after they beat Pakistan in the final. The tournament was played in T20 format because of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup in Australia.
The Asia Cup will feature six teams, divided in two groups of three teams. India, Pakistan, and Qualifier 1 (the winner of Men’s Premier Cup) is in one group while Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan are in the other. A total of 13 matches will be held in the tournament.
With India set to host the ODI World Cup later this year and the focus of all the participating teams being on the 50-over format, this year’s Asia Cup will be held in that format. (ANI)
