The much-awaited Asia Cup 2023 schedule has finally been released, with Pakistan, the hosts, playing the tournament opener against Nepal in Multan on September 30. The four cities that will host the Asia Cup matches are Multan, Lahore, Kandy and Colombo. While the opener will be played in Multan, Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium will host the final.
Kandy in Sri Lanka will host group stage matches along with Multan and Lahore, whereas Colombo will host five matches of the Super 4s stage, with Lahore getting one game. However, Dambulla didn’t get a single game in the Asia Cup after featuring prominently in the draft schedule. So, what was the reason for the omission?
The Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium in Dambulla has a capacity of around 16,000 whereas the Premadasa Stadium has a capacity of around 35,000, the same as Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, which will host the group stage matches in Sri Lanka.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) wanted to maximise the revenue from gate receipts, and they feared that Dambulla might not be able to attract jam-packed crowds or the same revenue as Kandy or Colombo. But has the PCB missed out on a major aspect, the weather?
Colombo will host matches on September 9, 10, 12, 14, 15 and 17, including the final. A quick look at the weather forecast for the mentioned dates shows heavy chances of rain in Colombo, including a 65 per cent chance of rain on the day of the final. While the PCB were correct in their assessment that Colombo is likely to produce better gate receipts, the urge to maximise profits could cost them heavily if some of the matches end up washed out.
There is a precedent here. In 2002, Sri Lanka hosted the Champions Trophy in September. India and Sri Lanka ended up sharing the trophy because the final, in the last week of September, couldn’t be completed despite enlisting the use of the reserve day.
Will this gamble cost the PCB? Only time will tell.
I am happy to announce the schedule for the highly anticipated Men’s ODI #AsiaCup2023, a symbol of unity and togetherness binding diverse nations together! Let’s join hands in the celebration of cricketing excellence and cherish the bonds that connect us all. @ACCMedia1 pic.twitter.com/9uPgx6intP
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) July 19, 2023
Jay Shah, President of the Asian Cricket Council: “We are thrilled to announce the highly anticipated Men’s ODI Asia Cup 2023, a celebration of cricketing excellence that unites the nations of Asia in the spirit of competition and camaraderie. As President of the Asian Cricket Council, I extend my warmest regards and heartfelt wishes to all participating teams.
The Asia Cup holds a special place in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts across the continent. It goes beyond being just a tournament; it symbolises the rich tapestry of cultures, traditions and shared passion for the game that binds our diverse nations together. This prestigious event not only showcases the cricketing prowess of the players but also fosters a sense of unity and brotherhood among Asian countries.
Let the tournament be a celebration of cricket’s beauty, a display of sporting excellence and a reflection of the unity that binds our nations together. Together, let us witness cricketing magic unfold, as each match becomes a chapter in a larger narrative of friendship and sportsmanship.
On behalf of the Asian Cricket Council and cricket lovers across Asia, I extend my gratitude to the fellow board members, teams, organisers, sponsors and fans who make this event possible. Your unwavering support is the driving force behind the success of the Asia Cup.
May the Men’s ODI Asia Cup 2023 be an unforgettable journey, filled with moments of triumph, joy, and togetherness. Let us come together to witness the best of Asian cricket.”
Zaka Ashraf, Chair of the PCB Management Committee: “As Event Hosts, the ACC’s Asia Cup 2023 schedule announcement provides us absolute clarity on how we will plan and deliver this tournament so that it is enjoyable for the participants and the fans. Our arrangements and hospitality is second to none and this will be a great opportunity to once again showcase this at an international level.
“For Pakistan, it will be the homecoming of the ACC Asia Cup after 15 long years. Our fans have waited for this for a long time and, as such, we look forward to making it bigger and better so that the fans and participants can start counting down days leading up to the ICC Champions Trophy, which Pakistan will host in February 2025.
“I want to congratulate Nepal on qualifying for the Asia Cup and look forward to welcoming them along with Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have previously played in Pakistan, it will be the first of many times for Nepal and Afghanistan, and I remain confident they will take away memories that will stay with them for a very long time.
“I am extremely happy for the Multan fans who will be the host of the ACC Asia Cup 2023 opener and will see their national side in action in a multi-team tournament for the first time since 1994. It remains one of my top priorities to ensure competitive cricket returns to historic venues across the country.
“From the Pakistan team’s perspective, it will be an excellent opportunity for them to play in high-profile pressure matches and also aim to reclaim the title they last won in 2012. They have all the potential and capability to do that and a strong performance in the Asia Cup will give them the encouragement and confidence for subsequent series and events.”
Asia Cup Full Schedule:
August 30 – Pakistan vs Nepal – Multan
August 31 – Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka – Kandy
September 1 – Break Day
September 2 – Pakistan vs India – Kandy
September 3 – Bangladesh vs Afghanistan – Lahore
September 4 – India vs Nepal – Kandy
September 5 – Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan – Lahore
September 6 – Super 4s – A1 vs B2 – Lahore
September 7 – Travel Day
September 8 -Break Day
September 9 – B1 vs B2 – Kandy
September 10 – A1 vs A2 – Kandy
September 11 – Break Day
September 12 – A2 vs A1 – Colombo
September 13 – Break Day
September 14 – A1 vs B2 – Colombo
September 15 – A2 vs B2 – Colombo
September 16 – Break Day
September 17 – Final – Colombo