Asia Cup 2023: A Grand Cricketing Spectacle Begins
The Men’s Asia Cup 2023 is set to captivate cricket fans as it commences on August 30th, featuring six teams competing for the prestigious title. With excitement brewing, here’s a comprehensive overview of what you need to know about this highly anticipated event.
Hosts and Participants
Co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka, the 16th edition of the Asia Cup will witness the participation of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, and debutant Nepal.
Champion Pedigree
India stands tall as the most successful side in Asia Cup history, boasting a record of seven titles (six ODI and one T20I). Sri Lanka follows closely with six titles (five ODI and one T20I), while Pakistan has secured the trophy twice.
Know the Six Teams in Depth
- Group A: Pakistan, India, Nepal
- Group B: Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka
Asia Cup 2023 Venues
- Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan
- Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy
- R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Key Players to Watch
The Asia Cup 2023 will feature a lineup of stellar talent, including:
- Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan: A world-class spinner poised to make a substantial impact.
- Bangladesh’s Taskin Ahmed: The dependable pace bowler carrying Bangladesh’s hopes in the absence of Ebadot Hossain.
- India’s Jasprit Bumrah: A returning pace spearhead aiming to showcase his formidable skills once again.
- Nepal’s Gulshan Jha: An emerging talent with the potential to shine with both bat and ball.
- Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga: A dynamic all-rounder and star spinner, poised to lead Sri Lanka’s charge with his match-winning abilities.
- Pakistan’s Babar Azam: The prolific captain and top-order batsman, spearheading Pakistan’s batting lineup with his exceptional skills and consistency.
Afghanistan: Rising Force Ready to Impress
Afghanistan enters the Asia Cup 2023 with determination and promise. Despite a recent series loss to Pakistan, Afghanistan showcased their mettle by displaying resilience in matches against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
Led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, they possess a potent blend of youth and experience. Keep an eye on Rashid Khan, their charismatic leader, and world-class spinner who could be a game-changer on subcontinent pitches. Afghanistan’s spirited performances in recent months suggest they could be the dark horse of the tournament.
- Afghanistan squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil, Rashid Khan, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Abdul Rahman, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Suliman Safi, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Bangladesh: Seeking Redemption and Glory
Bangladesh arrives at the Asia Cup 2023 after a mixed bag of performances. Victorious against Ireland but subdued by Afghanistan, the team aims for consistency and redemption.
Led by Shakib Al Hasan, the Tigers boast a blend of seasoned campaigners and young talents like Taskin Ahmed, a dependable pace bowler. Their batting lineup, anchored by Mushfiqur Rahim, adds depth to their challenge. Bangladesh’s quest for success rests on finding a balanced formula that harnesses their individual brilliance into collective victories.
- Bangladesh squad: Shakib Al Hasan (c), Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Afif Hossain Dhrubo, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Nasum Ahmed, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Naim Sheikh, Shamim Hossain, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Tanzim Hasan Sakib
India: Roaring Back with Resilience
India’s Asia Cup campaign is marked by comeback stories. Bolstered by the return of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer from injuries, the team aims to regain its top form.
Led by Rohit Sharma, India’s batting strength, including Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, makes them formidable. The ever-reliable Jasprit Bumrah’s return brings a boost to their bowling attack. Watch for Suryakumar Yadav’s flair and Ishan Kishan’s youthful exuberance to add spark to their challenge. India’s depth and experience make them a strong contender.
- India squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya (vc), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Sanju Samson (travelling reserve)
Nepal: Debutants with a Point to Prove
Nepal’s entry into the Asia Cup 2023 marks a historic moment. Their qualification through the ACC Men’s Premier Cup 2023 reflects their growing prowess.
Led by Rohit Paudel, this young team aims to announce its arrival on the international stage. Key players like Kushal Malla and Sandeep Lamichhane provide the required firepower. Gulshan Jha’s dual-threat capabilities make him one to watch. Nepal’s journey promises to be a captivating tale of determination and the desire to make a mark.
- Nepal squad: Rohit Paudel (c), Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, Bhim Sharki, Kushal Malla, Aarif Sheikh, Dipendra Singh Airee, Gulshan Jha, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi, Pratish GC, Mousom Dhakal, Sundeep Jora, Kishore Mahato, Arjun Saud
Pakistan: High Hopes and Fresh Faces
Pakistan’s Asia Cup journey sees them as the team to beat. Recent series victories and a No. 1 ODI ranking position them as strong contenders.
Babar Azam’s leadership anchors the team, supported by the likes of Shaheen Afridi and Fakhar Zaman. The inclusion of Saud Shakeel and the addition of Saud Shakeel adds depth to their lineup. The rise of bowler Maheesh Theekshana adds intrigue. Pakistan’s blend of experience and emerging talent makes them a team with high aspirations.
- Pakistan squad: Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Haris, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir (travelling reserve)
Sri Lanka: Champions on a Quest for Glory
As reigning champions, Sri Lanka enters the Asia Cup with a desire to defend their title. The absence of Wanindu Hasaranga adds pressure, but the team possesses capable replacements.
Led by a youthful Dasun Shanaka, players like Maheesh Theekshana and Dhananjaya de Silva will be pivotal. Keep an eye on Kusal Perera, a reliable batter. Sri Lanka’s rich history in the Asia Cup sets high expectations, and their journey to reclaim glory promises captivating cricket.
- Sri Lanka squad: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanaka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Janith Perera, Kusal Mendis (vc), Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Matheesha Pathirana, Kasun Rajitha, Dushan Hemantha, Binura Fernando, Pramod Madushan.
Exciting Tournament Structure
The action-packed tournament kicks off with the group stage from August 30th to September 5th, followed by the Super Four stage from September 6th to 15th. The top two teams from each group advance to the Super Four, culminating in a thrilling final set to take place on September 17th at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
| Asia Cup 2023 Fixtures | ||
| DATE | GROUP STAGE | VENUE |
| August 30 | PAKISTAN v NEPAL | MULTAN, PAK |
| August 31 | BANGLADESH v SRI LANKA | KANDY, SL |
| September 2 | PAKISTAN v INDIA | KANDY, SL |
| September 3 | BANGLADESH v AFGHANISTAN | LAHORE, PAK |
| September 4 | INDIA v NEPAL | KANDY, SL |
| September 5 | AFGHANISTAN v SRI LANKA | LAHORE, PAK |
| SUPER 4s | ||
| September 6 | A1 v B2 | LAHORE, PAK |
| September 9 | B1 v B2 | COLOMBO, SL |
| September 10 | A1 v A2 | COLOMBO, SL |
| September 12 | A2 v B1 | COLOMBO, SL |
| September 14 | A1 v B1 | COLOMBO, SL |
| September 15 | A2 v B2 | COLOMBO, SL |
| September 17 | FINAL | COLOMBO, SL |
