INDIA: In a most awaited decision, it has been officially confirmed that the highly awaited India versus Pakistan matches in the upcoming Asia Cup will take place in Sri Lanka. The IPL chairman, Arun Dhumal, made the announcement, putting an end to speculations about the venue for these intense clashes.
The Indian team, led by Rohit Sharma, will not be traveling to Pakistan, as clarified by Dhumal during the ongoing ICC Chief Executives Meet in Durban. Dhumal revealed that the Asia Cup schedule was finalized in a meeting between Jay Shah, the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and Zaka Ashraf, the representative head of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Following a meeting with PCB head Zaka Ashraf, the Asia Cup program was finalised and is going as scheduled. Four league stage games will be played in Pakistan, followed by nine games in Sri Lanka, including both India vs. Pakistan contests, according to Dhumal.
Dismissing the reports emerging from the Pakistani media, Dhumal refuted claims that India would travel to their neighboring country, contradicting statements made by Pakistan’s Sports Minister Ehsan Mazari.
“Such a conversation didn’t take place. In contrast to recent rumors, neither India nor our secretary will be visiting Pakistan. Only the schedule was finalised,” Dhumal clarified.
The decision to hold the matches in Sri Lanka brings back memories of the 2010 edition of the Asia Cup when India and Pakistan faced off in Dambulla. This choice ensures the safety and security of players and eliminates potential logistical challenges associated with playing in Pakistan.
With the India-Pakistan rivalry considered one of the fiercest in cricket, fans from both countries eagerly await these matches. While the location has changed, the excitement and anticipation surrounding these contests remain as high as ever.
In addition to the India-Pakistan encounters, Pakistan will have their only home match against Nepal. The other games in the tournament include Afghanistan vs Bangladesh, Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, and Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan.
The Asia Cup serves as a platform for teams from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) to showcase their talent and compete for the coveted title. As the schedule has been finalized, cricket enthusiasts can now mark their calendars and prepare for the thrilling clashes between India and Pakistan in the stunning setting of Sri Lanka.
Cricket fans across the globe will undoubtedly be glued to their screens, eagerly anticipating the highly competitive matches between these two cricketing giants. The stage is set, and all eyes will be on the players as they battle it out in the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie.
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