Asia Cup 2018: BCCI Hands over Hosting Rights to Emirates Cricket Board

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) finally handed over the official hosting rights of the Asia Cup 2018 to the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB).

Meanwhile, the agreement took place in Dubai with acting secretary Amitabh Chaudhary and CEO Rahul Johri representing BCCI. The chairman of the ECB, His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, signed on their behalf.

“The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Emirates Cricket Board signed an agreement today for the United Arab Emirates to host the 2018 edition of the Asia Cup,” the BCCI stated in a release.

Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will take part in the tournament. Furthermore, the winner of the Asian Cricket Council qualifier event will join as the sixth team. The competition will take place from September 15 to 28 in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

However, India was the original hosts of the Asia Cup 2018, but Pakistan’s participation was an issue considering the prevailing political situation. The BCCI had failed to get a clearance from government security agencies to host Pakistan. Earlier this year, Asian Cricket Council (ACC) finally decided to shift the tournament to the UAE.

“We are thankful to the Emirates Cricket Board for hosting the 2018 Asia Cup on behalf of the BCCI. We will see some of the sport’s powerhouse nations go head-to-head for ultimate glory and I am confident that cricket fans around the world will enjoy every moment of this prestigious event,” Chaudhary said.

It is a matter of pride for UAE

ECB chairman noted it is a matter of pride for them to host a prestigious tournament like Asia Cup 2018. He also stated they would do every bit to make it a grand success.

“It is a matter of great pride for the UAE to host a prestigious event like the Asia Cup. Our country is home to a large section of people from the participating nations. Thus, we feel privileged and excited by the opportunity to bring their favourite sport right here to their doorstep. This is the biggest cricketing event to be held in the UAE and we will ensure every support to make the 2018 Asia Cup a huge success,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, the BCCI had intimidated there will be no change in India’s schedule in the Asia Cup 2018. The team lands in India on September 12 from London, assemble in Mumbai again on September 16 and flies to Dubai that night. After a practice session on September 17, they will play the first game on September 18.