Asia Cup marks opportune testing ground ahead of 2011 Cricket World Cup

(AFP PHOTO/ Asif HASSAN)

Though June's 2010 Asia Cup marks a return to a two-year cycle for the regional tournament, this edition is a prime opportunity for each of the four teams to test themselves against Cricket World Cup rivals ahead of the March 2011 contest.

Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh will be meeting at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Sri Lanka's Central Province for a series of One Day International tests, as the hosts defend their 2008 title.

Each team plays each other once, meaning six days' play are spread over 9 days before the top two sides contest the Cup itself on June 24.

The Nimbus-owned sports channel NEO Cricket will be broadcasting the tournament in India and expect to reveal details regarding worldwide coverage closer to the start of the event.

After the Asia Cup, Sri Lanka will welcome back India who will be joined by New Zealand for the International Triangular Series, July 9-24.

The Cricket World Cup starts on February 19, 2010, and features 14 of the world's best cricket nations.

India are currently ranked 2nd in the ICC One Day International rankings, Sri Lanka 6th, Pakistan 7th and Bangladesh 9th.

Asia Cup match calendar, June 2010
June 15: Sri Lanka vs Pakistan
June 16: Bangladesh vs India
June 18: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh
June 19: India vs Pakistan
June 21: Bangladesh vs Pakistan
June 22: Sri Lanka vs India
June 24: Final