Pakistan and India have been drawn into the same group for the Asia Cup 2023 which will take place in September.
President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) ) Jay Shah confirmed the news with detailed plans for Asian cricket for 2023 and 2024 on social media.
“This signals our unparalleled efforts & passion to take this game to new heights. With cricketers across countries gearing up for spectacular performances, it promises to be a good time for cricket!” Shah wrote.
Where the tournament actually takes place is still up for debate.
Pakistan is the rightful host of the competition this year which will revert back to the 50-over format as opposed to the T20 format last year. India has already ruled out travelling to Pakistan for the competition and has asked for a neutral venue to take over.
PCB’s former chairman Ramiz Raja had taken a hardline stance against shifting the venue but it is unlikely that Najam Sethi, the head of the board’s management committee, will retain the same approach as he has already indicated.
Despite the off-field animosity, Pakistan and India matches remain some of the most watched cricketing games in the world with their clash in the 2023 Asia Cup expected to draw strong viewership once again.
It does not matter where the game takes place, the two nations always deliver spectacular contests.
Sri Lanka is the defending champions of the Asia Cup.