Asia Cup 2023: ACC grants assent to PCB's hybrid model, set to be co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka

After much deliberation, this year's edition of the Asia Cup has received the green light, with the continental tournament set to be played in a hybrid model across Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The hybrid model, proposed by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), got approval from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) in a meeting chaired by president Jay Shah.

The continental tournament is set to commence on August 31, with pre-designated hosts Pakistan hosting four matches in Lahore. Meanwhile, nine matches will be hosted by defending champions Sri Lanka, who were unable to host last year's edition due to political unrest in the country.

India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Nepal are the six participating nations, with the tournament set to commence with two groups of three teams. According to reports, fierce rivals India and Pakistan are expected to be in the same group, ensuring three potential encounters between the sworn enemies.

The 16th edition of the tournament was in jeopardy after The Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) stood firm on their decision of not to let the Indian team travel to Pakistan, the designated hosts of Asia Cup 2023. BCCI's rigid instance triggered a war of words between the boards of the respective countries with Pakistan threatening to pull out this year's ODI World Cup hosted by India.

Asia Cup 2023 is expected to test the preparation of India, Pakistan and defending champions Sri Lanka for the upcoming ODI World Cup, scheduled to take place after the conclusion of the continental tournament. While India and Pakistan are set to reignite their famed rivalry in the Asia Cup, the arch-rivals are set to square off in a World Cup fixture at the Narendra Modi Stadium, according to a draft schedule for the ICC mega event.