Four matches of the Asia Cup will be played in Pakistan and nine in Sri Lanka

The Asian Cricket Council says that this year's Asia Cup will be played in Pakistan and Sri Lanka from August 31 to September 17.

In a statement issued by the Asian Cricket Council on Thursday, it has been said that the teams of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Nepal will face each other in the tournament. The Asia Cup, which is played in the format of 50 overs, will be played under the hybrid model this time under which four matches will be played in Pakistan while nine matches will be hosted by Sri Lanka. The teams are divided into two groups in the tournament and two teams from each of the two groups will qualify for the next Super Four stage. The two teams with the most points in the Super Four stage will qualify for the finals of the event. After the Asian Cricket Council announced the dates, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee Chairman Najam Sethi said that Pakistan is the host of the tournament while Sri Lanka is a 'neutral venue'. Najam Sethi further said in a statement that 'Our passionate fans would have been happy to see the Pakistan and Indian teams in action in Pakistan after 15 years, but we also understand the position of the Indian Cricket Board.' He added that 'like PCB, the Indian Cricket Board also needs permission and clearance from the government before crossing the border.'