Hong Kong matches to get ODI status in Asia Cup
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided to give ODI status to all matches involving Hong Kong in the upcoming Asia Cup scheduled to begin from September 15. Hong Kong joined five other teams from the continent with ODI status after winning the qualifiers in Malaysia last week.
ICC confirmed its decision by saying that the fans will not be confused and all the games of the tourney will have international status. Hong Kong has been placed alongside India and Pakistan in Group A and will meet Pakistan in their first game this Sunday. Hong Kong defeated the United Arab Emirates, the hosts of this year's Asia Cup, in a nail-biting final of the qualifiers.
"To grant ODI status to all matches in the Asia Cup is a positive step taken by the ICC Board as we continue to take an in-depth look at international cricket structures in relation to our long-term ambition of growing the game and adding to the one billion fans who already follow the sport," ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said.
"In order to simplify the situation we will extend the ICC Cricket World Cup principle of all matches being ODIs to other tournaments where a number of the teams have ODI status and some not, this includes the Asia Cup and ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers. The fact that these events are open to teams beyond the existing 16 teams that currently have ODI status is important and, accordingly, ensuring all matches are granted ODI status is befitting of the events and just reward for the teams that have qualified."
Bangladesh will take on Sri Lanka in the inaugural clash on Saturday. Afghanistan is the other team of the 50-over tournament and the final is to be held on September 28.
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