Anticipation among cricket fans in Pakistan has reached a fever pitch as the countdown begins for the highly anticipated Asia Cup 2023, with the hosts taking on Nepal in the first match of the tournament at Multan’s iconic Multan Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. The practice session of the teams from Nepal and Pakistan at Multan Cricket Stadium was postponed due to the heat. Strict security measures have been taken around the stadium.
There is more excitement about the tournament this time around as it returns to the 50-over format after five years.
Asia Cup is also closely followed by cricket enthusiasts outside the continent.
Cricket enthusiasts around the world are eager to witness the battle between the cricketing giants and debutants in the continental tournament.
Former India captain Virat Kohli, also known as ‘King Kohli’ for his many achievements, has fans in Pakistan and many of them want to see the Indian team play in their country.
“A lot of teams are going to play in Pakistan. If India came, the level of excitement would have been much higher. Everyone here likes Virat Kohli. There are also a lot of Indian fans in Pakistan and everyone likes Virat Kohli. Think this is the beginning The next time India will definitely come for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan,” said a local who follows cricket regularly.
20-year-old right arm pacer Naseem Shah is currently making all the right sounds in world cricket. In the first ODI against Afghanistan ahead of the 2023 Asia Cup, he bowled five overs, conceding just 12 runs and taking one wicket.
One player to keep an eye on in Pakistan’s bowling line-up is their left arm pacer, Shaheen Afridi. The top hitters are also cautious on his opening punch.
“We hope that the way Pakistan played with Afghanistan, it will perform the same way in Asia Cup. We have hope from Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah. No team is weak, luck also matters as in the match between Zimbabwe and Pakistan We have hope that Pakistan will win the Asia Cup Best wishes,’ said a local who loves cricket.
“It is a matter of luck that Asia Cup matches are held in Pakistan. We are not very happy with the hybrid model. It would have been nice if other teams also played in Multan,” he added.
The match between arch-rivals India and Pakistan will be held at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy on September 2 and will mark the start of the Men in Blue’s campaign.
Co-hosts Pakistan were the first team to announce their squad and Babar Azam’s squad has been placed in Group A alongside India and Nepal.
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