According to Sportskeeda, Team India is scheduled to commence their Asia Cup 2023 campaign against Pakistan on September 5th at the Pallekele International Stadium.
The tournament, which will follow a hybrid model, is set to begin on August 31st. After facing Pakistan in the opening match, India will play against Nepal on September 7th at the same venue.
Subsequently, on September 10th, they will once again compete against Pakistan in a Super Four fixture, pending both teams’ qualification.
India’s matches throughout the tournament will take place at the Pallekele International Stadium, located in a suburb of Kandy.
Although the official schedule has yet to be released by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), it is expected that the final match will also be held at the same ground.
The decision to adopt the hybrid model comes amidst ongoing discussions regarding the tournament venues.
While the Pakistan sports minister has been insisting on India’s visit to their country, the newly appointed chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board has approved the hybrid model.
The Asia Cup 2023 will kick off with the opening match between Pakistan and Nepal at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. Subsequently, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan will also play their league games in Lahore. All teams, except the last-placed team in the other group, will then move on to Sri Lanka.
When considering the venue for the senior event, the stakeholders focused on Kandy and Dambulla due to the lower amount of rainfall expected in those areas during the tournament.
The Asgiriya Stadium in Kandy, traditionally known for hosting Tests, was ruled out due to the absence of floodlights. As a result, the Pallekele International Stadium became the leading contender.
Additionally, the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, which hosted the Asia Cup in 2010, may host a few matches not involving India.
Recapping the Asia Cup 2022, India comfortably advanced through the group stage but faced defeat in their first Super Four game.
Despite Virat Kohli’s contribution of 60 runs off 44 balls, Pakistan emerged victorious with Mohammad Rizwan’s 71 off 51 balls and a quick cameo by Mohammad Nawaz.
In another match, Sri Lanka defeated India with just one delivery remaining. Although Rohit Sharma’s 72 off 41 balls guided India to a total of 173 for eight, Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Dasun Shanaka’s aggressive partnership secured a victory for Sri Lanka.
India was eliminated in the Super Four stage, but not before Kohli ended his century drought with an impressive unbeaten 122 off 61 balls against Afghanistan in their final fixture.
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