Asia Cup 2023

Pak vs Ind washed away: Who is at fault?

by
Zainab Shafiq
September 2, 2023

Table of Contents

Pak vs Ind: In a riveting encounter at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, Sri Lanka, Pakistan dismissed the entire Indian side for 266 runs during their second match of the Asia Cup 2023. However, the real drama unfolded off the pitch, revealing the egoistic face of BCCI Secretary and ACC President, Jay Shah.

A Tale of Two Hosts: Pakistan and Sri Lanka

The Asia Cup 2023 was scheduled to be held in Pakistan, with the nation proudly hosting the tournament alongside Sri Lanka. This event, slated to run from August 30 to September 17, promised thrilling cricketing action and international camaraderie.

BCCI’s Security Concerns and Decision Not to Travel to Pakistan

However, the harmony was disrupted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), led by Jay Shah, who expressed concerns about the security situation in Pakistan. Consequently, the BCCI refused to send their team to Pakistan, igniting a wave of disappointment among cricket enthusiasts.

The Hybrid Asia Cup: Matches Split Between Two Nations

As a result of the BCCI’s decision, the Asia Cup became a hybrid event. While four matches were slated to be played in Pakistan, including the highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan, the majority—nine matches, including the final—were relocated to Sri Lanka. This shift left cricket fans divided and the tournament’s integrity in question.

Remaining Asia Cup Schedule after Pak vs Ind: Matches and Positions

Here’s a glimpse of the remaining Asia Cup 2023 schedule:

Group Stages:

Sept 3 – Bangladesh vs Afghanistan in Lahore at 2:30 pm (PST)
Sept 4 – India vs Nepal in Kandy at 2:30 pm (PST)
Sept 5 – Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka in Lahore at 2:30 pm (PST)

Super 4s:

Sept 6 – A1 vs B2 in Lahore at 2:30 pm (PST)
Sept 9 – B1 vs B2 in Colombo at 2:30 pm (PST)
Sept 10 – A1 vs A2 in Colombo at 2:30 pm (PST)
Sept 12 – A2 vs B1 in Colombo at 2:30 pm (PST)
Sept 14 – A1 vs B1 in Colombo at 2:30 pm (PST)
Sept 15 – A2 vs B2 in Colombo at 2:30 pm (PST)
Sept 17 – Final in Colombo at 2:30 pm (PST)

Positions irrespective of teams’ positions after the first round:

Pakistan will remain A1
India will remain A2
If either of them (India and Pakistan) doesn’t qualify for Super 4s, then Nepal will take their position
Sri Lanka will remain B1
Bangladesh will remain B2
If either of them (Sri Lanka and Bangladesh) doesn’t qualify for Super 4s, then Afghanistan will take their position

The Asia Cup 2023, which promised to be a unifying event, has become a story of division and disappointment, largely due to the BCCI’s stance. As the tournament progresses on two fronts, cricket fans worldwide watch in anticipation, hoping that the sport will ultimately triumph over politics.