Mumbai: The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and Nimbus Sport International (Nimbus Sport) announced a partnership for Asia Cup cricket events from 2010 to 2014. The five-year deal will include three Asia Cup events, all commercial rights of which will be marketed globally by Nimbus Sport. The first of which, the Asia Cup 2010, will be played in Sri Lanka from the 15 to 25 June.

Each edition of the Asia Cup will see the top cricket teams of the continent (India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh) battling it out to secure the title of Champions of Asia. (Schedule enclosed)

“The Asia Cup is the region’s most sought after trophy and features some of the greatest rivalries in the history of sport. We are confident that this partnership with Nimbus Sport will help the event to continue to grow its premier status exponentially across the world and the funds raised by this agreement will go a long way in creating possibilities for more Asian nations to play at the highest level possible,” said Ashraful Huq, chief executive for ACC.

The Asia Cup will be held every alternate year -- in the years 2010, 2012 and 2014. Each event will feature the teams from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh playing each other in a league format, with the top two teams playing off in a final.

“Nimbus Sport is pleased to add the Asia Cup to its considerable portfolio of premier international events. Over the years the Asia Cup has developed into one of cricket’s biggest brands with which sponsors and broadcasters around the world queue up to associate with,” said Yannick Colaco, chief operating officer, Nimbus Sport. On their part, Nimbus Sport will market and implement a sponsorship and licensing program to ensure coverage, integration and association for their partners.