The 2023 edition of Asia Cup, which will be played in the 50-over format, is all set to get underway on Wednesday (August 30) with the Pakistan versus Nepal clash in Multan.
While four games of the continental event will be played in Pakistan, the rest of the fixtures including all of India’s matches and the final will be held in Sri Lanka.
Pakistan are considered as one of the favourites to clinch the coveted Asia Cup trophy. The Men in Green are entering the marquee tournament on the back of a 3-0 ODI series win over Afghanistan, which also propelled them to No. 1 ranking in the 50-over format.
In his preview for the Asia Cup 2023, veteran India spinner R Ashwin talked about the rise of Pakistan team over the past 5-6 years and what makes them favourites this year.
"I used to envy looking at the Pakistan side. 5-6 years back, they used to struggle in big tournaments like Asia Cup and World Cup. Yes, of course, they have won big tournaments in the past. They have won the 1992 World Cup and delivered a consistent performance in the T20 World Cup. The main reason for the last 5-6 years' rise can be attributed to Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan," Ashwin said in a video posted on his YouTube channel.
Ashwin also highlighted Pakistani players' experience of playing in different leagues across the globe as a major reason behind their re-emergence.
"It all comes down to their squad depth. Pakistan have always produced extraordinary cricketers. Because of tape ball cricket, they have always had fast bowlers coming through their ranks. Their batting has been special in the late 90s and 2000s. But their exposure to different leagues has been a major reason for their re-emergence in the last 5-6 years. They have PSL. In the recent BBL drafts they were at least 60-70 Pakistan players.
“They are playing Test cricket and play their own T20 leagues. But they are also playing all around the world in England and Australia, and this year there aren't many Pakistan players in CPL, but they always dominate CPL too. They play in the Emirati League, USA, and also in Canada. When talent meets opportunity with different exposures. In IPL, we make sure that talent meets opportunity and that's why we are seeing more cricketers from different regions," the off-spinner explained.
"That's why in the last 5-6 years, Pakistan are not only producing world-class cricketers but these talents are only delivering in the big stages."
According to Ashwin, it would be tough to beat Pakistan in the Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup if Babar Azam and Mohamad Rizwan continue their brilliance.
"If Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan give consistent performances with the bat in the middle-order, then Pakistan are going to be one hell of a team going into this Asia Cup and World Cup. It will take some beating. Pakistan is an exceptional side.
"This year's Asia Cup's most games will be played in Sri Lanka. Who else are more equipped for Sri Lankan conditions than Pakistan? Because almost all the foreigners in the Lanka Premier League are Pakistanis," he remarked.
