Hosts Pakistan play minnows Hong Kong today

Chris DHAMBARAGE

The defending champions Sri Lanka, former champions India and Pakistan will be absorbed in a three cornered tussle when the ninth edition of the prestigious six nation Asia Cup limited overs cricket tournament gets underway in Pakistan today.

Pakistan who are hosting the tournament for the first time since its inception in 1984 will face Hong Kong at the National Stadium in Karachi in a group ‘B’ fixture while Bangladesh play the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore in group ‘A of the first round matches scheduled for today.

The Asia Cup tournament will be of great importance as it will also serve as a dress rehearsal for Pakistan’s hosting of the eight nation International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy limited overs tournament in September.

The three Asian heavyweights are however badly hit by the absence of their frontline bowlers but still they seem to be the only contenders who could win the title.

Three time champions Sri Lanka will start their defence for the title without key bowler Lasith Malinga who has been injured since March while all rounder Farveez Maharoof pulled out at the last moment having suffered a side strain during a practice match.

Meanwhile four times champions India are also badly depleted in their bowling attack with Zaheer Khan and Shanthakumaran Sreesanth both on the injured list while off spinner Harbhajan Singh is currently serving a five match ban on disciplinary grounds.

In addition a groin injury has ruled out their star batsman Sachin Tendulkar to kept away from the tournament. Pakistan of course will be minus paceman Mohammad Asif who returned home after a 19 day detention in Dubai on charges of possessing illegal drug and who faces an internal inquiry.

Pakistan will also miss the services of fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar who is serving an 18 month ban also on discipline violations. The UAE and Hong Kong of course are hoping to gain experience by competing against the stronger opponents.

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the super league where each side will play each other to decide the July 6 finalists.