After the long-standing political conflict between India and Pakistan delayed Asia’s continental cricket tournament, the Asia Cup 2023 is set to officially kick off in a hybrid model. Instead of the whole tournament taking place in Pakistan, the marquee event will take place in Pakistan and Sri Lanka (three and four games respectively) with the finals to be played in the Island Nation. The Asia Cup 2023 will start off on August 31 with Pakistan and Sri Lanka hosting matches and the final set to be played on September 17.
Despite this event being Asia’s premier continental cup, the biggest draw in the tournament has to be the marquee fixture between India and Pakistan. Hence fans could be hoping to see these two arch-rival lock horns the maximum in the event which as per Asia Cup’s format is thrice. So to find out how India and Pakistan can play each other thrice in this tournament, SportsTiger brings you the article.
As per the 2023 Asia Cup schedule, all participating teams are divided into two groups of three each. A total of 13 matches will be played, which includes six league matches, six Super 4 matches, and a final. India, Pakistan and Nepal are in Group A. While the defending champions Sri Lanka are grouped with Bangladesh and Afghanistan in Group B.
The top two teams from each of the groups will progress to the Super 4 and from here, the top two teams will play each other in the final. Hence for India and Pakistan to play each other thrice, both teams will have to finish in the top two spots in their group. Then in the Super 4 India and Pakistan will have to beat the other two teams to reach finish either one or two. Hence if both teams reach the final will be the third fixture between India and Pakistan.
