Hosts Sri Lanka will play against Afghanistan in the opening match of the event. However, the much-awaited India-Pakistan blockbuster promises to remain the centre of attraction. India, Pakistan and a qualifier comprise Group A. Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan are in Group B. The two top teams from each group will compete in a Super 4 round. The final is scheduled to be held on September 11. In a tweet, ACC President Jay Shah said 10 matches will be played in Dubai, including the final, while three will be held in Sharjah.
The Twenty20 tournament was shifted to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to the prevailing crisis in Sri Lanka. It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan had defeated India by 10 wickets in 2021 to win their first-ever World Cup match against the latter.