Asia Cup 2018 | BCCI transfers hosting rights to Emirates Cricket Board

As the rights were handed to Emirates Cricket Board for hosting the Asian Cup 2018, the chairman of Emirates Cricket Board, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan was present on their behalf to sign the agreement.

“The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Emirates Cricket Board signed an agreement today for the United Arab Emirates to host the 2018 edition of the Asia Cup,” the BCCI stated in a release.

Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and India are the confirmed nations, who are going to participate in the Asian Cup. Furthermore, the winner of the Asian Cricket Council qualifier would be the sixth team to join the contention for the Cup. The tournament has been scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi and Dubai from September 15 to 28.

Initially, BCCI had the responsibility of hosting the tournament, before Pakistan's participation in the Cup became a major issue owing to the estranged political conditions existing between the two countries. Consequently, BCCI was unable to persuade the government security agencies to allow them to host Pakistan in the event.

“We are thankful to the Emirates Cricket Board for hosting the 2018 Asia Cup on behalf of the BCCI. We will see some of the sport’s powerhouse nations go head-to-head for ultimate glory and I am confident that cricket fans around the world will enjoy every moment of this prestigious event,” BCCI secretary Amitabh Choudhary said.

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) had decided earlier this year that the tournament would be shifted to UAE, but the hosting would be done by India. However, the CoA was not so accepting of the decision taken by BCCI in this matter. Focusing on the issue of international financial transactions, a senior BCCI official mentioned that they would need to precisely check the Foreign Exchanges Management Act (FEMA) rules. They have become conscious after the IPL incident when South Africa Cricket got to host the event.

ACC had allotted USD 2.5 million to the host nation for covering the cost of organization, but the cost for hosting the Cup would now rise in UAE. Further, BCCI has not given any indication regarding the share of profit concerning the ticket sales, although the money generated from the television broadcast will be going to ACC.

“It is a matter of great pride for the UAE to host a prestigious event like the Asia Cup. Our country is home to a large section of people from the participating nations and we feel privileged and excited by the opportunity to bring their favourite sport right here to their doorstep.

“This is the biggest cricketing event to be held in the UAE and we will ensure every support to make the 2018 Asia Cup a huge success,” Emirates Cricket Board chairman said.