Tag: Asia Cup 2023

Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka said on Wednesday the defending champions will challenge every team in the Asia Cup despite injuries to several key players.

Sri Lanka, co-hosting the tournament with Pakistan, face Bangladesh on Thursday after injuries forced them to drop two key players at the last minute.

They won the tournament in the T20 format last year but it reverts to the ODI format as a prelude to the 50-over World Cup in India, which starts on October 5.

“We are playing in our backyard, so have the home advantage,” Shanaka told reporters in Pallekele.

“There are a few players not participating due to injury but still I think we have got a pretty good side who can challenge all the teams.”

Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga and fast-bowler Dushmantha Chameera will sit out the tournament after being named in the original 15-member squad but Shanaka said his team remained confident.

“There is no pressure at all,” he said.

Sri Lanka were underdogs at the previous Asia Cup in Dubai and were expected to bow out after losing their opening match to Afghanistan.

Interest this year remains focused on the rivalry between India and Pakistan, with potential for Asian cricket’s two giants to face each other three times before the World Cup.

Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan was unfazed by the India-Pakistan hype.

“They are the favourites, so people will talk about them more,” Shakib said.

“But having said that, Sri Lanka have won the Asia Cup plenty of times, so they are one of the favourites.”

Bangladesh have made the Asia Cup final three times but are still searching for their first trophy.

Emotions have often hampered Bangladesh’s performance, which Shakib acknowledged was the case in Dubai last year.

“Emotion-wise we have to play the game and see where we are at this moment,” he said.

“I think the dressing room is calmer and that is a good thing.”

Star all-rounder Shakib said a good performance would raise their expectations ahead of the World Cup.

“Asia Cup is not a small tournament, it has history, it has some big games,” he said.

“We are taking this tournament seriously. If we do well here it will give us confidence building up to the World Cup.”

READ: Pakistan crush Nepal to start Asia Cup 2023 on a winning note

MULTAN: Pakistan bowling unit decimated Nepal after centuries from captain Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed as the host kicked off their Asia Cup 2023 campaign with a statement 238-run victory.

Set to chase a mammoth 343, Nepal’s batting lineup failed completely and could only accumulate 104 before being bundled out in the 24th over.

The associate side got off to a poor start to the pursuit as they lost three wickets inside two overs with just 14 runs on the board.

Following the early slump, Aarif Sheikh and Sompal Kami stabilized the run chase with a gutsy 59-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

The pair frustrated the Pakistan bowlers before Haris Rauf provided a much-needed breakthrough by dismissing Aarif Sheikh, who could score 26 off 38 deliveries, hitting five boundaries.

Aarif’s dismissal sparked collapse and Nepal began to lose wickets at an alarming rate and consequently slipped from 73/3 to 104 all out.

Sompal Kami waged a lone battle for Nepal with a cautious 46-ball 28 which featured four boundaries.

Besides Sompal and Aarif, only Gulsan Jha (13) managed to make it into the double figures.

Shadab Khan led the bowling attack for Pakistan with 4/27, followed by two wickets each from Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf while Naseem Shah and Mohammad Nawaz made one scalp each.

Opting to bat first, Pakistan piled up a massive total of 342/6 in 50 overs at the back of a marathon 151-run knock by skipper Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed’s maiden century.

Babar Azam scored a classy 151, while Iftikhar Ahmed wreaked havoc on Nepal bowlers with an unbeaten 109.

The hosts Pakistan had a shaky start after winning the toss with both opening batters back to the pavilion inside seven overs with only 25 runs on board.

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan then helped rebuild the innings as they added 86 runs for the third wicket before Mohammad Rizwan perished courtesy of a direct hit. He scored 44 runs off 50 deliveries with the help of six boundaries.

Agha Salman also followed him after adding only five runs to the total, leaving Pakistan at 124-4 in the 28th over.

Babar Azam was then joined by Iftikhar Ahmed on the crease, and together they exhibited a fiery batting display against Nepal bowlers.

They added 214 runs in only 131 balls for the fifth wicket, steering Pakistan to a mammoth total.

Babar Azam’s 131-ball 151 featured 14 boundaries and four sixes, whereas Iftikhar Ahmed scored 109 runs from 71 balls with the help of 11 boundaries and four sixes.

Nepal’s Sompal Kami picked up two wickets, while Karan KC and Sandeep Lamichhane contributed with one wicket each.

READ: Anamul Haque replaces Litton Das in Bangladesh squad for Asia Cup

MULTAN: Pakistan bowling unit decimated Nepal after centuries from captain Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed as the host kicked off their Asia Cup 2023 campaign with a statement 238-run victory.

NEP 104 (23.3 Overs)

Shadab continues

NEP 103/8 (23 Overs)

Nawaz continues

NEP 92/8 (22 Overs)

Shadab bowls round the wicket

NEP 90/6 (21 Overs)

Nawaz into the attack now

NEP 88/5 (20 Overs)

Shadab continues to bowl

NEP 86/5 (19 Overs)

Haris continues to bowl

NEP 84/5 (18 Overs)

Shadab continues

NEP 82/5 (17 Overs)

Haris again

NEP 82/4 (16 Overs)

Shadab continues to bowl

NEP 76/4 (15 Overs)

Haris bowls again

NEP 73/3 (14 Overs)

Shadab continues

NEP 66/3 (13 Overs)

Haris continues

NEP 64/3 (12 Overs)

Shadab Khan into the attack now

NEP 56/3 (11 Overs)

Haris Rauf comes into the attack

NEP 47/3 (10 Overs)

Naseem continues to bowl

NEP 46/3 (9 Overs)

Shaheen continues around the wicket

NEP 42/3 (8 Overs)

Naseem continues

NEP 36/3 (7 Overs)

Shaheen bowls again

NEP 28/3 (6 Overs)

Naseem continues

NEP 26/3 (5 Overs)

Shaheen Afridi again

NEP 23/3 (4 Overs)

Naseem continues

NEP 18/3 (3 Overs)

Shaheen continues

NEP 14/3 (2 Overs)

1.4: A length ball in the channel, Aasif looks to drive without getting to the pitch of the ball and gets a thick outside edge to hand a regulation catch to Iftikhar at first slip.

Naseem Shah to bowl from the other end

NEP 10/2 (1 Over)

0.6: A fuller delivery, with a hint of late swing. The ball thudded into Paudel’s front pad well before he could bring his bat down. Shaheen gets his second.

0.5: Shaheen hits back after conceding two boundaries and gets yet another wicket in the first over. A length ball down the leg side and Bhurtel could only get an edge on it, Rizwan dived across to pouch it with both hands.

Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh come out to open the innings for Nepal. Shaheen Shah Afridi to bowl the first over.

PAKISTAN vs NEPAL (2nd INNINGS)

MULTAN: Pakistan captain Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed’s tons powered Pakistan to a mammoth 342 runs against Nepal in the first match of the ongoing ACC Men’s Asia Cup on Wednesday.

PAK 342/6 (50 Overs)

Sompal to bowl the final over

PAK 331/4 (49 Overs)

Karan KC continues

PAK 313/4 (48 Overs)

Sompal comes back again

PAK 301/4 (47 Overs)

Karan KC returns

PAK 294/4 (46 Overs)

Lamichhane comes back

PAK 275/4 (45 Overs)

Sompal replaces Gulsan

PAK 255/4 (44 Overs)

Airee continues

PAK 242/4 (43 Overs)

Gulsan continues

PAK 228/4 (42 Overs)

Airee returns

PAK 222/4 (41 Overs)

Gulsan replaces Karan

PAK 213/4 (40 Overs)

Rajbanshi replaces Lamichhane

PAK 208/4 (39 Overs)

Karan KC returns

PAK 204/4 (38 Overs)

Lamichhane continues

PAK 196/4 (37 Overs)

Sompal again

PAK 190/4 (36 Overs)

Lamichhane comes back

PAK 180/4 (35 Overs)

Sompal continues

PAK 167/4 (34 Overs)

Kushal Bhurtel comes back into the attack

PAK 157/4 (33 Overs)

Sompal Kami replaces Karan

PAK 152/4 (32 Overs)

Rajbanshi continues

PAK 143/4 (31 Overs)

Karan KC continues

PAK 139/4 (30 Overs)

Rajbanshi comes back into the attack

PAK 133/4 (29 Overs)

Karan KC comes back into the attack

PAK 125/4 (28 Overs)

25.5: Salman goes for the reverse sweep but fails to keep it down and Bhurtel takes a low, diving catch.

Lamichhane continues

PAK 122/3 (27 Overs)

Rajbanshi continues

PAK 120/3 (26 Overs)

Lamichhane continues to bowl

PAK 116/3 (25 Overs)

Rajbanshi continues

PAK 112/3 (24 Overs)

23.4: Rizwan took an evasive action to get out of the line of the ball, but a direct hit at the non-striker’s end sent him back.

Lamichhane returns to the attack

PAK 105/2 (23 Overs)

Rajbanshi continues

PAK 102/2 (22 Overs)

Airee continues

PAK 96/2 (21 Overs)

Rajbanshi replaces Lamichhane

PAK 91/2 (20 Overs)

Airee continues

PAK 84/2 (19 Overs)

Lamichhane continues

PAK 83/2 (18 Overs)

Airee continues

PAK 78/2 (17 Overs)

Lamichhane continues

PAK 75/2 (16 Overs)

Dipendra Singh Airee replaces Rajbanshi

PAK 72/2 (15 Overs)

Lamichhane continues

PAK 65/2 (14 Overs)

Lalit Rajbanshi continues

PAK 64/2 (13 Overs)

Sandeep Lamichhane comes into the attack

PAK 56/2 (12 Overs)

Lalit Rajbanshi continues

PAK 49/2 (11 Overs)

Gulsan Jha continues

PAK 44/2 (10 Overs)

Lalit Rajbanshi comes on from the other end

PAK 38/2 (9 Overs)

Gulsan Jha comes into the attack

PAK 32/2 (8 Overs)

Karan KC continues

PAK 29/2 (7 Overs)

6.1: A direct hit and Imam-ul-Haq has already started walking back

Sompal Kami continues

PAK 25/1 (6 Overs)

5.3: Fakhar Zaman departs courtesy of an excellent catch behind the stumps. A length ball bowled at 132kph and angled across. Fakhar plants his front foot down the ground instead of towards the ball and throws his hands at it. A thick outside edge to the left of the wicketkeeper

Karan KC continues

PAK 21/0 (5 Overs)

Sompal Kami continues

PAK 16/0 (4 Overs)

Karan KC continues from the other end

PAK 11/0 (3 Overs)

Sompal Kami continues

PAK 11/0 (2 Overs)

Karan KC to bowl from the other end

PAK 9/0 (1 Over)

Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman come out to open for Pakistan.

Sompal Kami to bowl the first over.

PAKISTAN vs NEPAL (1st INNINGS)

MULTAN: Pakistan have won the toss and elected to bat first against Nepal in the first match of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2023.

PLAYING XIs

Pakistan: Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf.

Nepal: Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh (wk), Rohit Paudel (c), Aarif Sheikh, Kushal Malla, Dipendra Singh Airee, Gulsan Jha, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi

READ: Anamul Haque replaces Litton Das in Bangladesh squad for Asia Cup

MULTAN: Pakistan have won the toss and elected to bat first against Nepal in the first match of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2023.

PLAYING XIs

Pakistan: Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf.

Nepal: Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh (wk), Rohit Paudel (c), Aarif Sheikh, Kushal Malla, Dipendra Singh Airee, Gulsan Jha, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi

READ: Anamul Haque replaces Litton Das in Bangladesh squad for Asia Cup

Bangladesh’s wicket-keeper batter Litton Das has been ruled out of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2023 with a viral fever and has been replaced by 30-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Anamul Haque.

Litton Das failed to recover from the viral fever and was unable to travel with the team to Sri Lanka for their opening game against co-hosts Sri Lanka in Kandy on Thursday.

Litton Das has been the highest run-getter for Bangladesh in ODIs since the start of 2022, amassing 878 runs in 25 innings at an average of 41.80.

Bangladesh Cricket Board’s National Selection Panel called up Anamul Haque, who will join the squad in Sri Lanka today.

Anamul Haque has played 44 one-day internationals for Bangladesh and scored 1,254 runs, including three centuries.

“He [Anamul Haque] has been in the runs in domestic cricket and we have continued to monitor him in the Bangladesh Tigers programme. He was always in our consideration,” Minhajul Abedin, Chairman of the national selection panel, said.

“Due to Litton’s unavailability, we needed a top-order batter who could keep wicket and Anamul got the nod.”

Previously, Bangladesh’s fast bowler Ebadot Hossain was also been ruled out of the Asia Cup with a knee injury and was replaced by uncapped fast bowler Tanzim Hasan.

Bangladesh will kick off their Asia Cup campaign against Sri Lanka in Kandy on August 31.

Bangladesh squad for Asia Cup

Shakib Al Hasan (captain), Anamul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Nasum Ahmed, Mahedi Hasan, Mohammad Naim, Shamim Hossain, Tanzid Hasan, Tanzim Hasan

READ: Pakistan’s Playing XI for Asia Cup 2023 opener against Nepal unveiled

LAHORE: Pakistan announced their Playing XI for the anticipated clash against Nepal in the curtain raiser of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2023.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) unveiled the lineup for the Nepal fixture.

The lineup features Pakistan captain Babar Azam, his deputy Shadab Khan, Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf.

Our playing XI for the first match of #AsiaCup2023 🇵🇰#BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/U8KaRXDqHH

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 29, 2023

The much-anticipated Asia Cup 2023 is finally here and it begins tomorrow with Pakistan, the top-ranked One-Day International side, taking on Nepal in the Group-A clash at the Multan Cricket Stadium.

The contest marks many firsts as Nepal, as a team, and Multan, as a venue, make their debuts in the continental tournament. It is also a maiden contest between Pakistan and Nepal at the top level.

“I want to congratulate Nepal for qualifying for the Asia Cup and I hope that their participation will give a boost to the development of the sport in the country. We are looking forward to playing Nepal and I am sure it will be a good contest,” said Babar Azam.

Babar Azam-led Pakistan enter the Asia Cup with momentum on their side. They topped the ICC rankings for ODI teams on Saturday after securing a 3-0 whitewash over Afghanistan in Sri Lanka.

This is the second instance of the team surmounting the chart since April. Pakistan also boast the best win/loss ratio of 2.750 with 22 wins in 31 matches since in this World Cup cycle.

Pakistan will fly to Sri Lanka on 31 August to play India in the second Group-A match on 2 September at Kandy. The venue will also host the third and final match of the group between India and Nepal on 4 September.

Pakistan Playing XI for Nepal clash: Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan (vc), Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf.

READ: “Job not done,” Babar Azam eyes Asia Cup, World Cup glory after leading rankings

LAHORE: Renowned Pakistan singer Aima Baig will perform at the glittering opening ceremony of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2023, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Tuesday.

With Pakistan all set to host the Asia Cup for the first time in 15 years, the PCB made a major announcement as he revealed that famous singer Aima Baig will perform at the opening ceremony of the tournament.

According to the PCB, Aima will be accompanied by Nepal’s Trishala Gurung.

“Witness the Super 11 Asia Cup 2023 curtain-raiser live on 30 August at the Multan Cricket Stadium,” PCB announced.

Witness the Super 11 Asia Cup 2023 curtain-raiser live on 30 August at the Multan Cricket Stadium 🏟️

Enjoy live fireworks and performances by Aima Baig and Nepal's Trishala Gurung, followed by the opening match between Pakistan and Nepal 🎆✨#AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/NtWbLfoSu1

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 29, 2023

Enjoy live fireworks and performances by Aima Baig and Nepal’s Trishala Gurung, followed by the opening match between Pakistan and Nepal,” the announcement added.

This year’s Asia Cup will kick off with host Pakistan taking on Nepal in the curtain raiser on August 30 in Multan.

Pakistan will host a total of four matches including a Super 4s fixture.

India’s group stage matches including the anticipated clash against Pakistan, scheduled on September 2, will be held in Kandy while the rest of the Super 4s matches, including the final will be played in Colombo.

The arch-rivals Pakistan and India will come face to face again on September 10 in Colombo if both manage to qualify for the Super 4s.

Like the previous edition, the Asia Cup schedule holds a possibility of treating the cricket fans with a maximum of three Pakistan-India matches in a single tournament if both arch-rivals, in a first, simultaneously qualify for the final.

The upcoming edition of the Asia Cup features six teams, divided into two groups, the top two teams from each group will then qualify for the Super 4s. The continental event will run from August 31 to September 17.

Hosts Pakistan are placed in the same group as arch-rivals India and Nepal while the other group includes defending champions and co-hosts Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

The Asia Cup 2023 will be played in the ODI format and will serve as an opportunity for the Asian teams to bolster their preparations for the upcoming ICC Men’s World Cup.

Pakistan squad for Asia Cup 2023: Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafique, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Afridi and Usama Mir

Traveling reserve: Tayyab Tahir

READ: “Job not done,” Babar Azam eyes Asia Cup, World Cup glory after leading rankings

MULTAN: Pakistan’s all-format captain Babar Azam said Tuesday that the job is not done yet for the top-ranked ODI side as they aim to win the upcoming ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2023 and ICC Men’s World Cup in India.

Babar Azam-led Pakistan enter the Asia Cup with momentum on their side. They topped the ICC rankings for ODI teams on Saturday after securing a 3-0 whitewash over Afghanistan in Sri Lanka. This is the second instance of the team surmounting the chart since April. Pakistan also boast the best win/loss ratio of 2.750 with 22 wins in 31 matches since in this World Cup cycle.

Reflecting on whether there is an added pressure for being the top-ranked side, Babar Azam said, “I would not say that there is a pressure. Rather, we enter this tournament with more confidence.

“This team has put in a lot of hard work and effort over the last few years and we achieving the top spot is a testimony of it. The job, however, is not done as we want to win the Asia Cup and the World Cup.

“We have some competitive and exciting next few months lined up and we are eager to do well for our country.

“Every player in this side wants to win matches for his country and raises their hand. They are always ready to put in the hard yards and never shy away from tough and difficult situations. We have had some amazing last few months and now it is time to build on the momentum.”

The much-anticipated Men’s ODI Asia Cup 2023 is finally here and it begins tomorrow with Pakistan, the top-ranked One-Day International side, taking on Nepal in the Group-A clash at the Multan Cricket Stadium.

The contest marks many firsts as Nepal, as a team, and Multan, as a venue, make their debuts in the continental tournament. It is also a maiden contest between Pakistan and Nepal at the top level.

Pakistan’s last outing in Multan in the format was in June last year and the home side enjoyed resounding success over the West Indies by thrashing them 3-0 in the three-match series. The team has played 10 ODIs here and won seven.

“It is always a great feeling to play in front of the passionate Multan crowd and we all are very excited that the Asia Cup is beginning from this city,” Pakistan captain Babar Azam said on the eve of the contest.

“I want to congratulate Nepal for qualifying for the Asia Cup and I hope that their participation will give a boost to the development of the sport in the country. We are looking forward to playing Nepal and I am sure it will be a good contest,” he added.

Pakistan will fly to Sri Lanka on 31 August to play India in the second Group-A match on 2 September at Kandy. The venue will also host the third and final match of the group between India and Nepal on 4 September.

Pakistan squad for Asia Cup 2023: Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafique, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Afridi and Usama Mir.

Traveling reserve: Tayyab Tahir

READ: KL Rahul ruled out of Asia Cup match against Pakistan

Indian wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul has been ruled out of group stage matches of the upcoming ACC Men’s Asia Cup, against arch-rivals Pakistan and Nepal in Pallekele, as he failed to achieve full fitness.

India’s head coach Rahul Dravid during India’s pre-departure press interaction in Bengaluru confirmed that KL Rahul is “progressing really well” however he won’t be ready to participate in the games against Pakistan and Nepal.

The 31-year-old Rahul has not played any competitive cricket since he was injured during the Indian Premier League in April-May. He has developed an injury niggle unrelated to the original thigh problem.

“KL has had a good week here [at India’s conditioning camp] with us. Trained well and done a lot of things. He’s progressing really well on the route that we want to take. But he will be unavailable for the Kandy leg of the trip,” Dravid said. “The NCA [National Cricket Academy] will be looking after him for the next few days while we are travelling. We will reassess on September 4 and take it from there. But signs are looking good and he’s progressing really well.”

KL Rahul will hopefully be fit in time for the Super 4 stage games of the Asia Cup, meanwhile, Ishan Kishan is expected to keep wickets in the group stage matches in Rahul’s absence.

India will kick off their Asia Cup with the much-anticipated clash against Pakistan on September 2 in Kandy.

The arch-rivals Pakistan and India will come face to face again on September 10 in Colombo if both manage to qualify for the Super 4s.

India’s Squad

Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya (vice-captain), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna.

Travelling reserve: Sanju Samson

READ: ARY ZAP to stream PAK vs SA Women series, domestic events

LAHORE: Zaka Ashraf, Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee on Monday shared that BCCI President Roger Binny and Vice President Rajiv Shukla will visit Pakistan this week for the opening ceremony of ACC Men’s Asia Cup commencing from August 30.

While talking to the media at Gaddafi Stadium during the national men’s team’s jersey unveiling ceremony for the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, Zaka Ashraf welcomed the players and officials who are visiting Pakistan for the Asia Cup.

“BCCI President and Vice President are coming to Pakistan for the opening ceremony of Asia Cup,” Zaka Ashraf said. “We welcome everyone who is coming to Pakistan [during Asia Cup],”

He also showed confidence and faith in the Pakistan team and expressed his hope that the national team will continue the recent good form and perform well at the Asia Cup as well as the upcoming ICC Men’s World Cup in India.

“Our team is currently united and performing well, and consequently is number one in the ODI team rankings,” he said.

“Looking at the recent performances of the team, it is hoped that our team will be successful in the World Cup, however, at the moment all the attention is focused on the Asia Cup,” he added.

Talking about the recently unveiled Pakistan jersey for the World Cup, he said: “The Star Nation Jersey bears witness to the enduring bond between our cricketers and the passionate fans who stand by them through every match. This jersey encapsulates our rich cricketing heritage and the luminous future that awaits.”

🚨 The 𝐁𝐈𝐆 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐀𝐋 is here!

Unveiling the Star Nation Jersey'23 🇵🇰🌟

Pre-order at https://t.co/TWU32Ta9wL

More details ➡️ https://t.co/B6QujGcP5Z#WearYourPassion pic.twitter.com/l6Ej3RhpHc

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 28, 2023

READ: Afghanistan squad reaches Lahore for Asia Cup 2023