United Arab Emirates (UAE) is now the officially hosting nation of 2018 Asia Cup, starting September 15.  On Friday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially handed over the hosting rights to the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB).

Initially, India was going to host this tournament for the first time since 1990/91. But, due to the present political tensions between India and Pakistan, the tournament has been shifted to UAE that is going to host the tournament for the third time after 1984 and 1995.

BCCI released a statement on this, “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.”

Also read: Star India Announces Their Channels For Asia Cup Broadcasts

A total of six Asian teams will participate in this competition where a total of 13 matches will be played from September 15 to 28. The six teams are – six-time champions (including the T20 format) India, five-time champions Sri Lanka, two-time champions Pakistan, two-time runners-up Bangladesh, Afghanistan and the champion of the Qualifier.

Also read: Organizers Will Be Rescheduling The Asia Cup 2018

Prior to the beginning of 2018 Asia Cup, the Qualifier will be played between six more Asian teams from August 29 to September 6. Hong Kong, Malaysia, Nepal, Oman, Singapore, and UAE will feature in the Qualifier where only the champion of the tournament will advance for the main tournament.

On Friday, the BCCI interim secretary Amitabh Choudhary said on this occasion, “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.”

Also read: Dean Jones’ Harsh Comments On India’s Asia Cup scheduling

Meanwhile, the ECB chairman stated, “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.”