Will India go to Pakistan for Asia Cup? Here's the confirmation as schedule finalised

Amid the wait for the high-octane Asia Cup clash between India and Pakistan in Sri Lanka, chairman of IPL, Arun Dhumal has confirmed that the Rohit Sharma-led India team will not be travelling to Pakistan for the continental tournament.

Arun Dhumal is currently in Durban for Thursday’s ICC Chief Executives meeting along with BCCI secretary Jay Shah.

“Our secretary met PCB head Zaka Ashraf and the Asia Cup schedule was finalised. There will be four games in the league stage which will be played in Pakistan. Whereas, 9 games will be played in Sri Lanka which includes the big clash between the two arch-rivals and in case of a third game if both teams play in the final,” Dhumal said.

On chances of India visiting Pakistan, Dhumal said that the Indian Team will not be travelling to Pakistan contrary to the reports that are making rounds.

India will take on Pakistan in a crucial Asia Cup clash at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, just like in the 2010 edition when India defeated Pakistan by three wickets.

On home ground, Pakistan will take on Nepal (which has marked its maiden qualification into the tournament this year). The other three games are: Afghanistan Vs Bangladesh, Bangladesh Vs Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka Vs Afghanistan.

Asia Cup 2023

This year's Asia Cup 2023 will be a six-team affair involving India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Nepal.

Defending Asia Cup champion Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan in the final held in the United Arab Emirates in 2022.

Group 1: India, Pakistan and Nepal

Group 2: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan

Two teams from both groups will move into the super-four round stage. The winners will then proceed to the final. Sri Lanka will host the final set to be played on September 17.