ACC announces the venues for Asia Cup and Emerging Nations tournament

Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has awarded United Arab Emirates (UAE) to hosting rights of the 14th edition of the Asia Cup which was originally slated to take place in India. The tournament will be most likely be played between September 13 and 28 later this year. The reason for the change is being cited as the political tensions between India and Pakistan as UAE has been the beneficiary. However, the Asia Cup will also see more teams featuring this year unlike previous editions when only 4 or 5 teams used to compete for the ultimate glory.

The full members India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan will participate to determine Asian champions. The sixth team for the tournament will be determined via a playoff which includes the teams like Hong Kong, the hosts UAE, Nepal, Oman and Papua New Guinea. This is a brilliant step by ACC given the fact that the countries like Nepal and Oman are steadily raising their standards in the game of cricket.

The ACC deliberated on the matter and decided that this was the best way forward,” the chairman of ACC and PCB Najam Sethi was quoted as saying by ESPN Cricinfo.

What about Emerging Nations Cup?

Also, the Emerging Nations’ Asia Cup is set to be held in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Originally, the Men in Green were alone set to host the prestigious tournament. Also, it is now scheduled to take place in December which was going to be played this but. However, India’s denial to visit Pakistan had put it in jeopardy. Though the problem has been solved now and it is likely that the Men in Blue might play all their matches in the island nation.

In addition to all these decisions, Pakistan will play hosts to the next ACC Annual General Meeting which is set to be held later this year.

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