The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has handed over the hosting rights to Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) for the upcoming Asia Cup 2018. Meanwhile, the agreement took place in Dubai with acting secretary Amitabh Chaudhary and CEO Rahul Johri.
On the other hand, His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan signed on the behalf of the ECB. The Asia Cup 2018 will kick off from 15 September. The final will take place at Dubai on 30 September.
India was the original hosts of the event.
“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.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan constitute Group B of the tournament. On the other hand, the winner of Asia Cricket Council Cricket Qualifier will join India and Pakistan in Group A.
In fact, India was to host the Asia Cup 2018. However, due to PCB intervention, the tournament had to be moved to the UAE.
The BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Chaudhary gave his gratitude to the Emirates Cricket Board.
“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.
Meanwhile, ECB chairman noted that is a matter of great pride for them to host a prestigious tournament. He said that he would try their best to make the Asia Cup 2018 a big 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.
