Before the opening match against Nepal, Pakistani captain Babar Azam expressed a clear opinion about the co-hosting of the Asia Cup 2023 with Sri Lanka.
Certainly, the 2023 Asia Cup tournament is set to kick off with an entertaining match between Pakistan and debutants Nepal. This inaugural duel will take place at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, August 30.
It’s worth noting that Pakistan was initially nominated to be the lone host for the entire ACC tournament. However, things took a different turn due to a fight between the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) and the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) on the hosting rights for the Asia Cup. After a long discussion with the other participating boards, the PCB opted for a ‘hybrid model.’ This concept will allow Pakistan to host a portion of the event, while the majority of matches will be contested in Sri Lanka.
Despite this arrangement, Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, voiced his preference for the full Asia Cup to be held in their home country. The event will see Sri Lanka as the host for a significant nine fixtures, while Pakistan will host a modest four games in the ACC competition.
“If you ask me, it would have been good if the whole tournament would have been held in Pakistan, but unfortunately, nothing can be done about it. As professionals, we are ready for any schedule that is given to us. There would be traveling as well as back-to-back games and we are ready for that,” Babar said in the pre-tournament media conference.
“Our coaches and support staff have chalked out plans about how much we would utilize each player and also we have booked our flights in such a manner, that our traveling schedule gives enough time to rest,” he further added.
Babar Azam also offered his opinion on the eagerly awaited match between long-standing rivals India and Pakistan. The game is slated for September 2nd at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. Riding the tide of triumph from a recent three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, the top-ranked ODI side is in good spirits. Babar stated that his squad intends to retain this winning momentum as they move forward into the Asia Cup.
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