Former cricketers have predicted the finalists of Asia Cup 2023, which begins today in Multan with the opening match between hosts Pakistan and Nepal.
While speaking to ESPNcricinfo, lndia’s legendary spinner Anil Kumble backed arch-rivals Pakistan and India to play the final on September 17.
“It is something that all of us would want. India and Pakistan are the two best teams in the competition and I don’t see why they won’t qualify for the final,” said Kumble.
Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer also echoed similar thoughts. However, he added that India-Pakistan have never played the final in the history of Asia Cup.
“Everyone wants India-Pakistan final but that has never happened in Asia Cup history. So I would also love to see an India-Pakistan final,” said Jaffer.
Former Pakistan spinner and renowned commentator Urooj Mumtaz also believes that that India and Pakistan will play the final.
“Well it will have to be the arch-rivals, India vs Pakistan,” said Mumtaz.
The Asia Cup 2023 will be held in Pakistan and Sri Lanka between August 30 and September 17.
All the matches of Asia Cup will not be played in Pakistan because the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refused to send their team to Pakistan due to security concerns.
Four matches will be played in Pakistan, while nine, including the final, will be played in Sri Lanka.
Pakistan are in Group A alongside Nepal and India. Meanwhile, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka are in Group B.
The T20 and ODI formats have alternated at the Asia Cup since 2016. The 2023 edition will be played in the 50-over format in order to help the teams prepare for the World Cup in India later this year.
India are the defending champions of the 50-over Asia Cup, which was last held in 2018.
Complete schedule
Group Stage
Aug 30 - Pakistan vs Nepal in Multan at 2:30 pm (PST)
Aug 31 - Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka in Kandy at 2:30 pm (PST)
Sept 2 - Pakistan vs India in Kandy at 2:30 pm (PST)
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 first round
- Pakistan will remain A1
- India will remain A 2
- If either of them (India and Pakistan) don'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) don't qualify for Super 4s then Afghanistan will take their position