The much-anticipated Asia Cup 2023 schedule has been released, with India kicking off their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on September 2. If both teams make it to the Super 4s and the final, there could be a thrilling prospect of three clashes between them during the continental event.
Both India and Pakistan are drawn in the same group (A), and will meet again if they qualify in the Super Fours.The final of the tournament takes place on September 17 in Colombo.
India’s head coach Rahul Dravid acknowledged the excitement surrounding the potential encounters with Pakistan but emphasized his approach to the tournament, taking it “one game at a time.”While he acknowledged that a final against Pakistan would be an intense battle, Dravid emphasized the importance of focusing on each step of the journey.
Ahead of the second Test against West Indies, Dravid reiterated his intention to tackle the Asia Cup methodically, emphasizing that facing Pakistan in the final would indeed present a captivating contest.
“The schedule is out and you have to qualify for the Super4s to play Pakistan three times, so one step at a time. I don’t believe in counting my chickens too much. I want to play one game at a time,” said Dravid.
“We know we have to play Pakistan and Nepal in the first two games, we need to focus on that, we need to play good cricket, we need to win those games and then see where the tournament goes. If we get the opportunity to play them three times, I think that is fantastic, that means we reach the final of the tournament and hopefully Pakistan reach the final as well.”
“That will be a great contest and great for us and we certainly aim to do that, we certainly want to play right up to the final and win that final but we have to take the first two steps before,” he added.
Pakistan, India and Nepal are in Group A while Group B comprises Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. Except for Nepal, the other five nations have qualified for the Cricket World Cup in India, starting in October.
