'Asia has become the hub of the game' - Mali

ICC president Ray Mali said that the Asia Cup would be given more prominence to reflect the region's importance in world cricket.

"India has become the centre of attention and Asia has become the hub of the game," Mail told a media conference in Sharjah. "We will make sure in the ICC Future Tour Programme that the Asia Cup should be given more importance. We will make sure that the event is held on a regular basis.

"Countries like India, Pakistan Sri Lanka, UAE and Bangladesh have a huge following. Afghanistan, Oman, Nepal and Kuwait are showing great improvement and the ICC needs to support them in many ways. We will soon see tall, broad shouldered bowlers emerging from places like Afghanistan. These countries need all support and attention."

Mali, who leaves office in five weeks, also spoke of the push to globalise the game. "We are trying to take the game to America and in next 30 years China will be a force to reckon with. The country has a great potential to nurture cricket and the Asian Cricket Council is fully aware of it."