Dubai – Sri Lanka and Bangladesh could have an eye fixed fastened firmly at the 2019 International Cup once they get the Asia Cup underway in Dubai on Saturday.

Protecting champions India, who’ve gained the Asia Cup six instances, are led by way of rushing opener Rohit Sharma as common captain and world-class batsman Virat Kohli is rested after a gruelling excursion of England.

Sri Lanka, sizzling on India’s heels with 5 titles, two-time winners Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and qualifiers Hong Kong entire the line-up.

Sharma stated even if so much cricket is to be performed between now and the International Cup, to be held in England between Might 30 to July 15 subsequent yr, the Asia Cup can lend a hand within the build-up.

“In some way you’ll say that (the Asia Cup is a build-up) as a result of each group needs to visit the International Cup short of to understand their mixture,” Sharma stated at a press convention.

“However having stated that it’s a must to focal point at the task to hand relatively than pondering too a ways forward. All of the groups and gamers have a superb opportunity to do smartly and stake claims for the International Cup squad.”

Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed described the development as a “adventure in opposition to” subsequent yr’s event in England.

“Sure, there are nonetheless 8 months to the International Cup, we need to play numerous cricket earlier than that. However sure the Asia Cup is a continuation of the adventure in opposition to the International Cup,” Sarfraz stated.

Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews and Bangladesh’s Mashrafe Mortaza described the Asia Cup as the method in opposition to the International Cup.

“It is a procedure and in a tournaments like this we need to to find the correct mix with an eye fixed at the International Cup,” stated Mathews.

Mortaza believed his group has labored laborious for the Asia Cup.

“Asia Cup is crucial event so now we have completed a just right homework for it and build-up in opposition to the International Cup which remains to be a ways,” stated Mortaza.

The spotlight of the Asia Cup stays a high-profile crew event between arch-rivals Pakistan and India on Wednesday in Dubai.

They’ve a wealthy custom of taking part in within the neighbouring state of Sharjah, the place their suits happened from 1984-2000, however have no longer toured United Arab Emirates since 2006, once they performed a two-match sequence in Abu Dhabi.

Sharma admitted it’s going to be a thrilling conflict, the primary between the neighbours since Pakistan gained the Champions Trophy ultimate in London in June remaining yr.

“Sure, it’s going to be thrilling to play Pakistan right here after a protracted hole however by way of no means I’m announcing it is the simplest sport,” Sharma stated. “The focal point is at the complete event as different groups also are eyeing the identify.”

Pakistan, India and Hong Kong are in Crew Some time Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan shape Crew B.

The highest two groups from each and every crew will qualify for the Tremendous 4 and the highest two groups from Tremendous 4 will play the September 28 ultimate in Dubai.

5 Asia Cup suits can be performed in Abu Dhabi.