Mumbai: India would start their campaign in the Asia Cup T20 Championship by taking on hosts Bangladesh in the tournament-opener at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur on February 24, according to the event schedule released on Tuesday.
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The eagerly awaited high-octane clash between India and Pakistan is slated three days later, on February 27, at the same venue, according to a press release here.
India's subsequent fixtures are slated against defending champions Sri Lanka (March 1) and a qualifier, from among Afghanistan, UAE, Oman and Hong Kong, on March 3. The final of the tournament is to be held on March 6.
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The Asia Cup is the only multinational tournament in international cricket apart from the International Cricket Council events.
Traditionally played in the 50-over format, this year's edition of the biennial tournament will be played in the T20 format for the first time in its history. The continental event assumes even greater significance than usual this year, as it will allow competing teams to hone themselves for the ICC World T20, which starts on March 8 in India.
Commenting on the Asia Cup, President of the ACC, Thilanga Sumathipala, said, The Asia Cup marks one of the most important events in the cricketing calendar for the Asian countries and it will be a good build up to the ICC World T20 later this year. I am aware the officials have worked tirelessly to make this event a success and I thank them for their efforts."
"Let me take this opportunity to wish all participating teams the very best of luck, and hope the teams play the tournament in the true spirit of the game," he said.
The four Associate Nations will compete in qualifiers starting on February 19 in Bangladesh. Star India has bagged the media rights of the Asia Cup earlier this year in a deal which will run until 2023, and also include the Women's Asia Cup, Emerging Asia Cup and Under-19 Asia Cup.
The tournament will be telecast live across the broadcaster's network, the release added.
