With the first match of the continental tournament between Pakistan and Nepal kicking off today, the battle for the Asian champions will be played at the opening ceremony at the Multan Cricket Stadium by renowned singer Aima Baig and Trishla Gurung.
The City of Saints is all set to host the first match of the Asia Cup 2023 as a large number of fans are expected to fill the stadium.
“Enjoy live fireworks and performances by Aima Baig and Nepal’s Trishala Gurung, followed by the opening match between Pakistan and Nepal,” the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced in a statement on X.
Aima Baig has previously sung Pakistan Super League (PSL) anthems while Trishla Gurung is new to the Pakistani audience.
The 2023 edition of the multinational tournament is being held between August 30 and September 17 in Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
All the Asia Cup matches will not be played in Pakistan as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has refused to send its team to Pakistan due to security concerns.
Pakistan is in Group A along with Nepal and India. Meanwhile, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka are in Group B.
Four matches will be played in Pakistan while nine matches including the final will be played in Sri Lanka.
The T20 and ODI formats have been changed since 2016 in the Asia Cup. The 2023 edition will be played in a 50-over format to help teams prepare for the World Cup in India later this year.
India are the defending champions of the 50-over Asia Cup, which was last held in 2018.
