The Asia Cup will be played from August 31 to September 17.
This is the first opportunity for Pakistan to host the Asia Cup since 2008. Fifteen years ago, Pakistan successfully organized the Asia Cup, which consisted of a fifty-over format.
Najam Sethi stated that he is pleased that the proposed hybrid model for Asia Cup 2023 has been accepted. This means that the Pakistan Cricket Board will be the host for the Asia Cup and matches will be held in Pakistan, while Sri Lanka will serve as the neutral venue after that. The reason behind this is that the Indian cricket team will not come to Pakistan.
Najam Sethi said that our passionate fans would have been delighted to see the Indian cricket team playing in Pakistan for the first time in fifteen years. However, we understand the position of the BCCI. Like the Pakistan Cricket Board, the BCCI also requires permission and clearance from its government to cross the border. In this scenario, the hybrid model was the best solution, and that is why they strongly advocated for it.
Najam Sethi stated that the approval of the hybrid model means that the Asia Cup will be played according to its scheduled program, and the Asian Cricket Council will continue to play its part in promoting cricket and moving forward. The next twenty months are crucial for cricket
fans in the subcontinent, and they are eagerly looking forward to the excitement and enthusiasm surrounding the events.
Najam Sethi said that during the past fifteen months, the Pakistan Cricket Board has successfully organized two bilateral series of extraordinary significance and two HBL PSL tournaments. The top cricketers from around the world participated in these events, and they thoroughly enjoyed the fantastic arrangements and hospitality in Pakistan.
Najam Sethi expressed confidence that the participating teams in the Asia Cup and the teams that will be part of the Champions Trophy in February-March 2025 will also experience our excellent hosting and arrangements.
Najam Sethi stated that they will consult with the Asian Cricket Council and Sri Lanka Cricket to finalize logistical and operational matters, so that the preparations and planning for the event can commence properly. They assured the Asian Cricket Council, partner teams, commercial partners, and cricket fans in Pakistan that the Pakistan Cricket Board will leave no stone unturned in ensuring the success of the Asia Cup, which is vital for those teams participating in the ICC World Cup scheduled to be held in India in October-November 2023.
Najam Sethi praised the efforts of Jay Shah, the President of the Asian Cricket Council, and said that with his efforts, the Asian Cricket Council will work strongly to safeguard the interests of each other socially and provide opportunities for emerging Asian countries.”