Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, underlines the team’s concentration on their initial Asia Cup fixture against Nepal, dismissing the rivalry against India and emphasizing the significance of every opponent.

The six-nation Asia Cup, jointly hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka due to India’s refusal to tour Pakistan due to political tensions, is set to kick off in Multan, followed by additional matches scheduled in Lahore.

India’s matches will take place in Sri Lanka, including the final on September 17, as they opted to compete away from Pakistan. Babar Azam regrets this decision while acknowledging the unavoidable circumstances.

Pakistan will travel to Sri Lanka to face India in Pallekele on September 2, followed by a Super Four match in Lahore. The team will then return to Sri Lanka for further matches, including a clash against India in Colombo on September 10.

Despite the demanding schedule, Babar Azam expresses the team’s enthusiasm and readiness to perform at their best. He downplays the hype surrounding India matches and emphasizes that their immediate focus is on the opening game against Nepal.

Azam acknowledges the importance of the first match against Nepal and highlights the team’s dedication to not underestimate any opponent.

Pakistan, India, and Nepal are grouped together in Group A, while defending champions Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan form Group B. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Four stages.

Riding high on a 3-0 victory over Afghanistan in Sri Lanka, Pakistan ascended to the top of the ODI rankings.

Nepal, making their debut in the Asia Cup, are eager to offer tough competition to Pakistan and India. Captain Rohit Paudel expresses the team’s enthusiasm and determination to make the most of this valuable opportunity.

Nepal’s skilled spinner Sandeep Lamichhane poses a challenge for Pakistan’s formidable batting lineup, featuring world’s top-ranked batter Azam, Imam-ul-Haq at number three, and Fakhar Zaman at number five.