The ACC also confirmed that Asia Cup 2016 and 2020 will be played in Twenty20 format and the event in 2018 will be played in ODI format. The two associate nations though can join the event only through qualifying rounds.
"Asia Cups 2016 and 2020 will be Twenty20 events as a prelude to the ICC World Twenty20s. They will be played between the four Test-playing countries, plus two Associates from an Asia Cup Qualifier. Asia Cup 2018 will be an ODI event," the ACC posted on its official Facebook page.
Asia Cup 2016 is expected to be held early next year, before India hosts the ICC World Twenty20 from March 11 to April 3. However, the venue has yet to be revealed and the schedule for the qualifiers is yet to be announced.
"The Asia Cup is set to undergo a radical change and will be a Twenty20 competition in 2016 for the first time," ACC chief executive Syed Ashraful Haq told cricket.com.au. He also added that the event could be held in February or March next year.
However, Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) is not aware about any decision regarding the Asia Cup.
CAN Acting General Secretary Uttam Karmacharya said that the cricket governing body of Nepal has not received any formal information about the changes made to the format of the Asia Cup.
"We are not aware about the decisions since we have not received any formal information from the ACC," said Karmacharya, who, however, opined that such changes will be great opportunity for Nepal.
Nepal, Afghanistan, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates have Twenty20 status.
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