Asia Cup 2023 finally got underway with the match between Pakistan and Nepal at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. With this being the first multi-nation international cricket tournament being played on Pakistan soil, there was expected to be a large attendance for this match. However, an image has gone on social media which shows very few people enjoying the match even as Pakistan batted their entire 50 overs after electing to bat first.
Having said that, it should be noted that though for a 02:30 pm (local time) start there were few people at the stadium as the match progressed, more and more people did turn up to cheer for Pakistan. Despite there being fewer people for this match, the stands are likely to be jam packed when Pakistan take on India on September 2 in their group-stage face off at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
There could be a total of three India vs Pakistan clashes in Asia Cup 2023. Apart from their guaranteed fixtures on September 2, in case India beat Nepal, which seems to be the likely result, they will set up a match against Pakistan in the Super Four stage in Colombo on September 10., provided the Babar Azam-led side also manage to beat the Asia Cup debutants.
Meanwhile, in case Asian heavyweights Pakistan and India both manage to reach the tournament finals, there will a third installment of the celebrated rivalry in Colombo on September 17. While Pakistan are currently ranked number 1 in the world, India are ranked number three in the world.