DHAKA: Bangladesh, for the third consecutive time, will organize the Asia Cup 2016.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hasan Papon disclosed the matter to journalists at Shahjalal International Airport on Wednesday night.

He further said the decision was taken at a meeting of Asian Cricket Council (ACC) in Singapore on Tuesday.

The five-nation regional tournament featuring the hosts, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and an Associate, will begin on February 24 and the final will be held on March 6.

“Pakistan raised the point that Bangladesh should host next year’s Asia Cup and everyone agreed," Papon added.

With the World T20 scheduled to begin five days later, the 13th edition of Asia Cup will be organized in Twenty20 format.

“Four Test nations will get direct entry while one Associate nation will come through the qualifying tournament. We also discussed whether there can be more cricket at the Under-19 level between the Asian countries.”

Afghanistan, Oman, Hong Kong and UAE, who will play host, will compete in the qualifying tournament to be held at the end of November.

The previous two editions of the Asia Cup were held in Dhaka in 2012 and 2014. This will be the fifth time the tournament is being held in Bangladesh, having previously hosted in 1988 and 2000 too.

BDST: 0912 HRS, OCT 29, 2015
SR