DUBAI – The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday has taken animportant decision over the Asia Cup 2018.
ICC confirmed that it has awarded ODI status to all matches of the upcomingAsia Cup 2018, which will take place in Abu Dhabi and Dubai from September15-28.
“To grant ODI status to all matches in the Asia Cup is a positive steptaken by the ICC Board as we continue to take an in-depth look atinternational cricket structures in relation to our long-term ambition ofgrowing the game,” ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said.
“This decision was informed by our review of the ICC World Cup Qualifiersearlier this year where there was a mix of games with and withoutinternational status which proved to be confusing for fans.”
Hong Kong are the only team in the tournament without ODI status and theywill play first round matches against Pakistan and India on September 16and 18.
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“In order to simplify the situation we will extend the ICC World Cupprinciple of all matches being ODIs to other tournaments where a number ofthe teams have ODI status and some not, this includes the Asia Cup and ICCWorld Cup Qualifiers,” he said.
“The fact that these events are open to teams beyond the existing 16 teamsthat currently have ODI status is important.”
Apart from Hong Kong, Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and SriLanka will take part in the two-week event.
