Asia Cup 2018 Schedule

The 2018 Asia Cup is also referred to as Unimoni Asia Cup. After 2016, this One-day international is all set to be held between the different teams in the United Arab Emirates. This year it is the 14th the edition of the Asia and the third match which is being played in the United Arab Emirates. The first and the second matches were held in 1984 and 1995. This year, India will be the defending champions. The five full members from the Asian Cricket Council will also be taking a part in the game. These teams include Afghanistan, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. This year, Hong Kong too has qualified for the game by winning the 2018 Asia Cup qualifier. The match will be commencing on 15th September and continue till 28th September. Thirteen matches will be played among 6 people.

Background for Asia Cup 2018

Initially, the game was to be played in India this year. However, due to the increasing tension between India and Pakistan, the game had to be shifted in the United Arab Emirates.

Back in 29th October 2015 a discussion panel was called between Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in Singapore. Post the meeting it was confirmed that the game will be held in India for its 2018 edition. In August 2017, the BCCI asked for the clearance from the government and the 2017 ACC Under-19 Asia Cup was gradually shifted to Malaysia. Again in April 2018, a proposal was made by the Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi to host the tournament in Abu Dhabi.

It was being expected that Pakistan will be hosting the 2018 ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup before the tournament in April. Since the announcement of Asia Cup to be held in Dubai was made, the emerging team Asia Cup has been shifted to August 2018. Sri Lanka will be the co-host of the tournament with Pakistan.

What is the format of the game?

The schedule, as well as the format of the match, was announced on 24th July 2018. The six teams were divided into two groups of three members. The higher ranking two teams from each of the group will be reaching the Super Four section in the game. After that, the two other teams will be reaching the top to compete in the finals. The starting match will be held between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The game is to be held at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Eight matches will be played in Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai and five matches will be played in Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi.

Schedule of the match

The tournament will be beginning on 15 September and will be continuing till 28 September. The schedule of the match includes

• The first game will be played in Dubai International Cricket Stadium on 15th September, between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
• The second game will be played in Dubai International Cricket Stadium on 16th September between Pakistan and Hong Kong.
• The third game will be played in Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi on 17th September between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.
• The fourth match will be held between India and Hong Kong on 18th September at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
• The fifth match will be held between India and Pakistan in Dubai International Cricket Stadium on 19th September.
• The sixth match will be played between Bangladesh and Afghanistan in Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi on 20th September.

The Super Four Match of the series will be commencing on 21st September and will be continuing till 26th September. Overall 6 Super Four matches will be held around Dubai International Cricket Stadium and Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.

The final match will be held on 28th September between the qualifying members at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. All the matches will be commencing at 5:00 pm IST.