Cricket
BAN vs AFG Series 2023: Afghanistan Test Squad Analysis
The upcoming Afghanistan tour of Bangladesh 2023 Series will feature a single Test match between the Bangladesh and Afghanistan cricket teams. The match is scheduled to take place from Wednesday, June 14, 2023, to Sunday, June 18, 2023. The venue for the match is the Sher-E-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka, and it is set to start at 10:00 AM local time. Cricket enthusiasts can look forward to witnessing the clash between BAN and AFG in this exciting Test match.
Afghanistan Test Squad Against Bangladesh
Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Nijat Masood, Yamin Ahmadzai, Ibrahim Abdulrahimzai, Izharullah Haq Naveed, Hamza Kotak, Zahir Khan Pakteen, Rahmat Shah, Nasir Jamal, Abdul Malik, Ibrahim Zadran, Karim Janat, Ikram Alikhel, Afsar Zazai and Baheer Shah Mahboob.
Afghanistan Test Squad Analysis for BAn vs AFG Series 2023
Rashid Khan, the renowned leg-spinner, will be absent from the upcoming match. Unfortunately, he sustained an injury that prevented his participation in the recently concluded ODI series against Sri Lanka. It appears that he is still recovering and not yet fully fit. Additionally, another notable player missing from the lineup is Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
In addition to Rashid Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai, who did not participate in the third ODI against Sri Lanka, has been omitted from Afghanistan's squad due to a groin injury.
Read more: Shakib surprises team with visit to practice camp ahead of Afghanistan Test
Hashmatullah Shahidi has been appointed as the captain of the Afghanistan cricket team for the Test match. However, notable players such as Naveen Ul Haq and Mohammed Nabi have not been included in the squad. Additionally, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, the wicketkeeper for KKR, and Naveen Ul Haq, the bowler from the Lucknow Super Giants, have also not been considered for selection.
In addition, Afghanistan has announced four players as standby for the upcoming test match. These players are Noor Ali, Zia Akbar, Azmat Omarzai, and Sayed Shirzad. They have been designated as reserves and will be ready to step in if needed during the match.
The 15-man squad of Afghanistan has been strengthened with the inclusion of fast bowling duo Ibrahim Abdulrahimzai and Nijat Masoud, along with the young leg-spinner Izharulhaq Naweed. These talented players have earned their spots in the squad and will contribute their skills to the team’s efforts.
Additionally, Karim Janat, who showcased a remarkable all-round performance in the Ahmad Shah Abdali First Class Tournament, has received his maiden call-up to the national team. The team management has recognized his talent and potential, providing him with an opportunity to shine at the highest level.
Read more: BAN vs AFG Series 2023: Fixtures, Schedules, Teams, Head-to-Head Records
Key Players of Afghanistan Squad in the 2023 BAN vs AFG Test
Rahmat Shah
Rahmat Shah has appeared in Afghanistan’s all 6 test matches. And in those matches, he has showcased commendable performance with impressive statistics. In his 12 innings across 6 matches, he has accumulated a total of 385 runs. His highest score of 102 demonstrates his ability to excel under pressure. With an average of 32.08, Rahmat has displayed consistency on the crease.
Notably, he has also registered a well-deserved century, further setting his batting prowess in the longest format of the game. Rahmat Shah’s contributions have been vital to Afghanistan’s Test team, making him a valuable asset on the field.
Ibrahim Zadran
Ibrahim Zadran, representing Afghanistan in Test cricket, has been truly outstanding. Over the course of four matches and eight innings, he has scored a total of 356 runs. His exceptional performance is highlighted by his highest score of 87, where he demonstrated his ability to dominate the opposing team’s bowling attack.
With an impressive average of 44.5, Ibrahim consistently showcases his strong batting presence whenever he takes to the pitch. His contributions with the bat have played a vital role in Afghanistan’s success in Test matches. Given Ibrahim Zadran’s talent and unwavering consistency, he is undeniably a crucial asset for the upcoming test match against Bangladesh.
Read more: Litton to Lead Bangladesh in Afghanistan Test
Amir Hamza Hotak
Hamza Hotak, a skilled left-arm spinner, earned his place in the Afghanistan Under-19 squad for the 2010 World Cup held in New Zealand. He has played only three test matches for his country. In his 3 matches and 6 innings, he has taken 16 wickets.
His best bowling innings of 6/75 demonstrate his ability to dismantle opposition batting line-ups. His skills as a bowler have contributed significantly to Afghanistan’s quick success in the Test format. Amir Hamza’s impressive performances make him a key player in Afghanistan’s bowling attack in Test matches.
Yamin Ahmadzai
Yamin has played 5 test matches so far. While his overall test bowling performance for Afghans is quite satisfactory, his performance against Bangladesh was poor. He only took one wicket in the 2019 test match against Bangladesh. Overall, he took 11 wickets in five appearances. So, he will surely try to improve his bowling figure and give his best against Bangladesh, which he failed in his previous appearance.
Final Words
This upcoming Test match between Afghanistan and Bangladesh marks their second encounter in the longest format of the game. The two teams previously faced each other in 2019 in a one-off Test match, where Afghanistan emerged triumphant. They secured an unambiguous victory with a massive margin of 224 runs, and Rashid Khan played a pivotal role by claiming 11 wickets in the match. So, in the 2023 BAN vs AFG test match, the Afghans will surely try to repeat their performance. On the other hand, the Bangladesh team has improved a lot, and they will certainly fight back.
Read more: BAN vs AFG Series 2023: Bangladesh Test Squad Analysis
Musfik Hasan eager to prove his mettle in international cricket
Musfik Hasan, the 20-year-old right-arm pacer, who got his maiden call to the Bangladesh Test team, said he is eager to prove his mettle in international cricket now.
The pacer played only 13 First-class matches and bagged 49 wickets with three five-wicket hauls and one four-wicket haul. He also took part in 13 List-A matches, but he has enjoyed notable success in the longer version.
Read: Shakib surprises team with visit to practice camp ahead of Afghanistan Test
“It’s really great that I got the national team call,” Musfik said on Thursday while talking to the reporters. “I played well in the domestic circuit, and that’s why the selectors believed in me.”
The pacer drew the attention of the selectors with his trend to bowl accurately and emphasize on the pace.
“I’ve been with the high-performance unit for the last one and a half years. I’ve worked really hard to improve my game,” he added.
Read:Litton to Lead Bangladesh in Afghanistan Test
Bangladesh team is gearing up for the one-off Test against Afghanistan starting on June 14th in Dhaka. Along with Musfik, the right-handed batter Shahadan Hossain Dipu also made it to the national team for his ability to bat well in the longer version of the game.
Bangladesh played only a Test against Afghanistan in 2019 that the Tigers lost by a big margin of 224 runs.
The hosts will play under the leadership of Litton Das. The right-handed wicketkeeper-batter and deputy Test captain of Bangladesh got the leadership role in the absence of the regular captain Shakib Al Hasan who has been suffering from an injury. Litton has earlier led the team in limited-over cricket.
Read: No county cricket for Taskin for now despite having a call
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has already announced the squad for this match.
After the Test, the Afghanistan team will go back and return to Bangladesh in July to play a three-match ODI and two-match T20I series.
No county cricket for Taskin for now despite having a call
Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed revealed that he received an offer from a county cricket team.
However, due to his ongoing rehabilitation programme for an injury sustained during the last international assignment and other reasons, he would not be able to take it up this time.
Also read: Taskin uncertain for Bangladesh vs India 1st Test"I received a call from Yorkshire," Taskin told reporters on Wednesday. "They wanted me to play a full season for them. I discussed it with the board, and considering all factors, they decided not to release me for this event."
Taskin also said he is eager to play in international leagues if he gets a chance in the future.He expressed his satisfaction with the board's decision, as they have a plan in place for his future. He mentioned that the board does not want him to participate in longer version cricket in the county league, which is why they opted not to release him.
Also read: T20 World Cup 2022: Taskin shines as Bangladesh register first Super 12 win
If Taskin recovers as planned, he may feature in the upcoming Test against Afghanistan starting on June 14 in Dhaka. The Bangladesh team is currently preparing for this Test.Litton Das will lead the Bangladesh team in this match as captain Shakib Al Hasan is unavailable due to injury. Litton has previously led Bangladesh in limited-overs cricket.
Also read: Taskin's hamstring injury catches up to him
If he regains fitness, Taskin would be one of Litton's key weapons in this Test. Bangladesh previously played a Test against Afghanistan and suffered a defeat in Chattogram.
BAN vs AFG Series 2023: Bangladesh Test Squad Analysis
The Afghanistan Cricket Team is coming to Bangladesh in two stages to play one Test, three ODIs, and two T20 series. Afghans will arrive in Dhaka on June 10. Only one Test match will be held on June 14 in Mirpur ground. Bangladesh will play the Test against the Afghans, who are full of spin power. Earlier in 2019, Bangladesh lost the only Test played against them on a spin-friendly wicket in Chittagong. Bangladesh Cricket Board has announced the squad for the upcoming 2023 BAN vs AFG Test match.
Bangladesh Test Squad Against Afghanistan
Litton Das (c), Tamim Iqbal, Zakir Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shahadat Hossain, Musfik Hasan.
BAN vs AFG Series 2023 Test Squad Analysis
Litton Das has been appointed as the captain of the Bangladesh team for the upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan. This decision comes in the wake of Shakib Al Hasan’s absence due to a finger injury he sustained during the ODI series against Ireland in Chelmsford last month. Shakib’s recovery period is estimated to be at least six weeks. Litton Das will be leading a 15-member squad, which includes Shahadat Hossain and Musfik Hasan, both of whom are yet to make their international debut.
Read more: Shakib surprises team with visit to practice camp ahead of Afghanistan Test
Shahadat, a talented player, was part of the Bangladesh team that emerged victorious in the Under-19 World Cup in 2020. Since then, he has showcased his skills and excelled in domestic tournaments. Primarily a middle-order batsman, he has impressed with his performance, scoring two half-centuries in two unofficial Test matches against West Indies A.
Musfik, an emerging fast bowler, made a remarkable entry into the cricket scene with an impressive performance in the 2022-23 National Cricket League. He took 25 wickets during the season, maintaining an outstanding average of 15.92. One of his notable achievements was his exceptional performance against Dhaka Division, where he took 8 wickets for 73 runs. This remarkable achievement marked only the third instance of an eight-wicket haul in domestic first-class cricket in Bangladesh.
Taskin Ahmed, who had been previously excluded from the squad for the Ireland Test due to a side strain, has now returned to the squad. Additionally, Zakir Hasan is also included in the team after missing the Ireland Test in April. Zakir had encountered a thumb injury after being selected for the ODI squad for the first time in March. As a result of their return, Shadman Islam has been left out of the squad, and both Shakib Al Hasan and Rejaur Rahman Raja were also excluded from the previous squad.
Read more: Litton to Lead Bangladesh in Afghanistan Test
Key Players of Bangladesh Squad in the 2023 BAN vs AFG Test
Although Bangladesh’s iconic player, Shakib Al Hasan, is out of the test match, other key players such as Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, and Shoriful Islam will be in the team.
Najmul Hossain Shanto
Debuted in 2017, Shanto has played 22 test matches so far. The most recent was against Ireland. However, he couldn’t shine in the last Test. But overall, he scored 1013 runs from 22 matches. One of Shanto’s most outstanding test performances came against Sri Lanka in 2021. He scored 163 runs in one inning, which is his best test performance so far. With his recent form, it can be said that Shanto has a great chance to show his class once again against the Afghans.
Mushfiqur Rahim
Mushfiqur has been in great form recently. Mushfiqur Rahim displayed an outstanding performance as he overcame Bangladesh’s mid-innings troubles and delivered a rapid half-century, securing a comprehensive seven-wicket triumph over Ireland in the recent Dhaka test. Mushfiqur emerged as the highest scorer for the home team, amassing 51 runs with the help of seven fours.
Read more: New Zealand to visit Bangladesh in November for 2-Test series
Before that, he scored 126 runs in the first innings. So, we might see something great like that against Afghanistan too. However, he scored only 23 runs in the only Test against the Afghans in 2019. Overall, Rahim has played 85 test matches and scored 5498 runs.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz
In his last match against the Irish, Miraz scored 55 runs after batting in one inning and took only 2 wickets. However, Miraz’s test cricket batting performance has been commendable throughout his career spanning from 2016 to 2023. In a total of 38 matches, he has batted in 70 innings, accumulating an impressive tally of 1197 runs. His highest score of 103 demonstrates his ability to convert starts into substantial innings.
His bowling figure is also impressive. In 38 Test matches, he has bowled in 65 innings and has taken 148 wickets. His ability to have a consistent wickets-taking mentality has made him a vital asset for the Bangladesh team.
Read more: Bangladesh Sets Their Sights on World Cup: Nic Pothas
Taskin Ahmed
So far, Taskin only played 12 test matches and 26 wickets in total. Despite being less experienced in tests, he is still considered one of the key bowlers for upcoming tests. Taskin’s best bowling performance on 4/21 in one inning came in 2021 against Sri Lanka.
Taskin’s most recent Test appearance was against India on December 22. But he couldn’t give the expected performance and took only one wicket. He was coming back from an injury and missed the Ireland test. Hence, fans are expecting that he will give his best to prove himself, as he proved in the previous ODI series.
Final Words
Afghanistan has played in six Test matches, achieving a balanced record of three wins and three losses, resulting in an overall winning percentage of 50.00. So, as a newcomer in Test cricket, Afghans have been doing great. Previously Bangladesh played a test match in 2019, which was a defeat for the Tigers. So, it is evident that Bangladesh will try to balance the head-to-head test record in the 2023 Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Test match.
Read more: BAN vs AFG Series 2023: Fixtures, Schedules, Teams, Head-to-Head Records
Shakib surprises team with visit to practice camp ahead of Afghanistan Test
The disappointment of Bangladesh cricket fans over star all-rounder and Test captain Shakib Al Hasan's absence from the upcoming lone Test against Afghanistan, starting on June 14 in Dhaka, was slightly tempered when Shakib made an unexpected visit to the ongoing practice camp on Tuesday.
Shakib, known for his invaluable contributions with both bat and ball, has always been a crucial component of the Bangladesh team across all formats. His absence as the Test captain left a noticeable void in the team's leadership.
Read more: Bangladesh Sets Their Sights on World Cup: Nic Pothas
Stepping in to fill the captaincy role for this Test is Litton Das, who has been one of Bangladesh's standout batsmen in recent years. Having previously led the team in limited-overs cricket, Litton is now set to take charge in the longer format of the game as well.
During his surprise visit, Shakib was seen engaging in discussions with Coach Chandika Hathurusingha. The influential all-rounder's unexpected presence during practice provided a much-needed morale boost for the players, who will keenly feel his absence and the loss of his contributions in the upcoming Test.
Read more: Litton to Lead Bangladesh in Afghanistan Test
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had already announced the squad for the Test match, introducing two fresh faces - Shahadat Hossain Dipu and Mushfik Hasan. Shahadat's exceptional batting ability caught the attention of the team management, securing his spot in the squad. Likewise, Mushfik's promising pace-bowling skills impressed the selectors and earned him a place in the team.
With the previous Test defeat against Afghanistan still fresh in the Tigers’ minds, the upcoming Test holds great importance for Bangladesh. The Tigers will be eager to redeem themselves and deliver a strong performance in front of their home crowd.
Read more: Tigers begin preparation ahead of long season
Following the Test, the Afghanistan team will depart, only to return to Bangladesh in July for a three-match ODI series and a two-match T20I series. These matches will take place in Chattogram and Sylhet.
Litton to Lead Bangladesh in Afghanistan Test
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced on Sunday the squad for the upcoming Test match against the Afghanistan cricket team in Dhaka this month.
The solitary Test is scheduled to commence in Dhaka on June 14th.
In the absence of regular captain Shakib Al Hasan, right-handed wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das will assume the leadership role for this match.
Batter Shahadat Hossain Dipu and pacer Mushfik Hasan have been included in the national team for this Test.
Shahadat, a 21-year-old right-handed middle-order batter, made his first-class debut in 2021. He has amassed 1265 runs from 20 first-class games, including two centuries and 10 half-centuries.
Mushfik, on the other hand, rose to prominence following his debut in the 2022 first-class season. The 20-year-old fast bowler has claimed 49 wickets in 13 matches, featuring three five-wicket hauls. Both players were part of the Bangladesh A side in the recently concluded unofficial Test series against West Indies A.
Bangladesh squad: Litton Das (Captain), Tamim Iqbal, Zakir Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shahadat Hossain Dipu, Mushfik Hasan.
New Zealand to visit Bangladesh in November for 2-Test series
The New Zealand national cricket team will tour Bangladesh in November-December this year for a two-match Test series, confirmed an official from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
The detailed schedule of the series will be revealed later. Prior to this tour, the New Zealand team is set to play a three-match ODI series in September.
This means that the Blackcaps will visit Bangladesh twice this year for two separate series, similar to Afghanistan who will also play a Test this month followed by an ODI and T20I series.
BCB Director Shafiul Alam Chowdhury informed cricket-based website Cricbuzz that one of the two Tests will be held in Sylhet, marking the venue's return to Test cricket after a five-year gap. The last Test hosted in Sylhet was between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh in 2018.
"We are extremely excited as we will be hosting a Test match in Sylhet after five years. It's going to be a significant occasion for us," Chowdhury told the media.
The decision of choosing Sylhet as the venue came after a recent visit of the venue by a New Zealand delegation.
Currently, the Bangladesh team is preparing for the only Test against Afghanistan, which is scheduled to be played in Dhaka.
Bangladesh Sets Their Sights on World Cup: Nic Pothas
Nic Pothas, the newly-appointed assistant coach of the Bangladesh cricket team, stated that the team has already set their sights on the upcoming World Cup, which will be played in India later this year.
Pothas has been working with the national team since their last tour of England, where the Tigers played a three-match ODI series against Ireland as part of the World Cup Super League. Bangladesh has secured direct qualification and already booked their place in the World Cup.
Currently, the Bangladesh team is preparing for the lone Test against Afghanistan in Dhaka.
"Every team is keeping an eye on the World Cup, and we are no exception," Nic said on Thursday during a media address. "You never know what kind of challenges you have to face in the World Cup. The guys are eager to perform well and make their country proud."
Under the initial contract, the South African coach will work with the Bangladesh team for the next two years. He expressed that it was an easy decision for him to join the Bangladesh team as he has been following them for some time now.
"I've been following the Bangladesh team for a long time. In the last 6-7 months, they have played some wonderful cricket. I believe they have the ability to go a long way in the future," he said.
Nic also mentioned that while the Bangladesh team has yet to perform consistently well in Test matches, they possess the potential to excel in the format. He expects the Tigers to prove their mettle in the shorter formats of international cricket as well.
The head coach of Bangladesh, Chandika Hathurusingha, is currently on leave and is expected to join the team by June 3. In the meantime, Nic is leading the practice camp in preparation for the Afghanistan Test.
Chennai win IPL in stunning finish against Gujarat
The Chennai Super Kings have won the Indian Premier League for a record-equaling fifth time with a last-ball, five-wicket victory over the defending champion Gujarat Titans.
Ravindra Jadeja plundered a six and a four from the last two deliveries against Mohit Sharma to help the Super Kings chase down a revised target of 171 runs in 15 overs.
The IPL needed three days to complete the final. It was washed out on Sunday, started late Monday and finished after 1:30 a.m. local time on Tuesday. But it was worth it.
Chennai was squeezed by medium-pacer Sharma in the last over and the equation got to 10 runs required off two balls. Sharma got his length wrong and Jadeja hit a straight six. Sharma then got his line wrong and Jadeja hit a four to fine leg to complete a stunning win.
“I was just thinking I need to swing hard, as much as I can,” Jadeja said. “Where the ball will go, I was not thinking about that. I was backing myself and looking to hit straight, because I know Mohit can bowl those slower balls.”
Chennai’s record-equaling fifth title also gave retiring batter Ambati Rayudu a sixth IPL title, tying him with Rohit Sharma as the league’s most successful players.
“It’s a fairytale finish,” Rayudu said. “I’m fortunate to have played in really great sides. I can smile for the rest of my life.”
Gujarat was sent in to bat first and posted 214-4 — the highest ever total in an IPL final — highlighted by 96 from Sai Sudharsan.
Rain halted Chennai’s chase in the first over for nearly 2 1/2 hours, and reduced the target and length of the innings. Chennai needed every single ball to make a thrilling 171-5.
A fantastic launch was shared by openers Devon Conway, 47 off 25 balls, and Ruturaj Gaikwad, 26 off 16. They raised a half-century stand within the four-over powerplay, including 17 runs in legspinner Rashid Khan’s first over.
Spinner Noor Ahmad removed both openers in the same over but Chennai kept coming hard. Ajinkya Rahane added 27 off 13, and Rayudu struck Mohit Sharma for 6-4-6 in the 13th over before the bowler responded with consecutives wickets.
He took a return catch to dismiss Rayudu and had Chennai skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni caught at extra-cover for a first-ball duck. That left Shivam Dube, who scored an unbeaten 32 off 21, with Jadeja.
Dhoni, who has led the Chennai franchise since the start of the IPL, said he’d be prepared to continue after guiding the team to 10 finals.
“The easy thing for me to say is, ‘Thank you,’ and retire,” the 41-year-old former India captain said. “But the hard thing to do is to work hard for nine months and try to play one more IPL season. … The amount of love I have received from CSK fans, it would be a gift for them to play one more season.”
Mohammed Shami bowled a brilliant penultimate over, leaving Chennai needing 13 runs off six balls. Mohit Sharma, who ended up with 3-36, conceded just three runs off the first four deliveries until Jadeja’s last-gasp heroics.
Earlier, Chennai’s early lapses in the field gave Gujarat momentum. Deepak Chahar missed catching chances against Shubman Gill and Wriddhiman Saha.
Gill, who top-scored in the tournament with 890 runs, made 39 off 20 before he was stumped by Dhoni. Saha made 54.
Sudharsan shared two half-century stands; 64 with Saha and 81 off 33 with Titans captain Hardik Pandya.
Sudharsan smashed eight boundaries and six sixes and dominated the late overs. He was in sight of a deserving century in the last over until pacer Matheesha Pathirana pinned him with a superb yorker.
“We tick a lot of boxes and we play with our heart,” Pandya said. “We’ve always been a team that has stood together and no one gave up. We win together and we lose together, maybe one of those games today.
“I’m very happy for (Dhoni). Destiny had this written for him. If I had to lose, I don’t mind losing to him. Good things happen to good people.”
ICC officials to discuss Pakistan's participation in World Cup with PCB
The International Cricket Council's top officials will arrive in Pakistan on Tuesday to discuss the country’s participation in this year’s 50-over World Cup in India.
The tense political relations between the two neighboring countries has seen both nations suspending their bilateral cricketing ties for a decade, but they have regularly competed in the ICC events.
ICC chairman Greg Barclay and chief executive Geoff Allardice will arrive in Lahore for a two-day visit during which they will meet Pakistan Cricket Board management committee chairman Najam Sethi and other PCB officials.
India has already declined to tour Pakistan for the Asia Cup in September which has not gone down well with the PCB. Sethi has proposed a hybrid model to the Asian Cricket Council in which Pakistan would host only four games, not featuring India, while the rest of the tournament will be organized at a neutral venue.
ICC general manager Wasim Khan told a virtual video conference on Monday that Pakistan’s participation in the World Cup in India is “something that’s obviously ongoing at the moment.”
“Geoff Allardice, our CEO, and Greg … will be discussing a number of areas with the PCB hierarchy,” Khan said. “But that’s certainly up to the two countries and the hierarchy within the ICC to discuss them and come to some conclusions.”
The secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, Jay Shah, is also the present chairman of the ACC, which has not yet decided the schedule and venues for the Asia Cup. The two groups for the six-nation tournament have already been announced, with Nepal, Pakistan and India placed in one group and Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Bangladesh in the other.
The schedule of the World Cup is expected to be announced during the World Test Championship between India and Australia, starting at the Oval in England from June 7.