The big news to come out of the Asian Cricket Council’s (ACC) meeting in Colombo, was that Bangladesh will remain as the host country for the 2013-14 Asia Cup, and that Afghanistan will also compete at the tournament, bringing the number of participating countries up to five.
The first game of the 11 match tournament is expected to take place on 25 February, with the Final scheduled for 8 March. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) gave a presentation which convinced the ACC that the country was capable of hosting a successful tournament, including the additional matches required as a consequence of Afghanistan being admitted to the competition.
Political turmoil in Bangladesh had raised doubts about the nations ability to host an international tournament. As recently as December, the West Indies U19 team withdrew from their tour, following an explosion near to their hotel. However, with Bangladesh also due to host a bilateral series against Sri Lanka, and the World Twenty20 from mid-March, it was important that they convinced the ACC of their ability to host a safe and successful tournament.
The ACC’s decision should ensure that the Sri Lanka tour, which is due to start on 27 January, goes ahead, with a final decision being promised by 9 January. With the ICC to hold its own security inspections within the country, before making a final decision as to whether Bangladesh will be retained as the host for the World Twenty20.
The decision to include Afghanistan in the Asia Cup, was made to provide the emerging nation with more exposure to international level cricket. They have progressed sufficiently in recent years to have been given ODI status by the ICC, and the Asia Cup will assist in their preparations for both the World Twenty20s and the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
