Asia Cup 2023 opened with live fireworks and singing performances by Aima Baig and Nepali Singer Trishala Gurung before Pakistan took on Nepal in the first match on Wednesday.

The curtain-raiser for the Super 11 Asia Cup 2023 was held at the Multan Cricket Stadium, which is making its debut as a venue in international cricket.

Aima Baig has earlier sung the Pakistan Super League anthems and is best known for Coke Studio Season 10 song Baazi which she sang with Sahir Ali Bagga.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka are jointly hosting the continental tournament as three matches of the group stage will be played in Pakistan, while Sri Lanka’s Kandy will host India’s group stage matches.

Colombo will host the Super Four matches, along with the final.

A total of 13 matches including the final will be played in the tournament. The tournament will be played in the 50-overs format this time.

Pakistan, India and Nepal are in Group A while Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan are grouped in Group B.