Karachi, Feb 27 Pakistan will host the Asia Cup cricket tournament from June 25 in Karachi and Lahore, it was decided at a meeting between Cricket Board Chairman Nasim Ashraf and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) officials in Kuala Lumpur today.

Ashraf, in Malaysia for the Under-19 World Cup semifinals and final which Pakistan is eyeing to complete its hat-trick of titles, held meetings with ACC officials yesterday and today to finalise the Asia Cup itinerary which is yet to be released officially.

A PCB official said it was confirmed the Asia Cup would continue till July 6 and on the same day the ACC annual general body meeting would also be held in Karachi to hand over the Presidentship and charge of the ACC to Pakistan for a two-year period as per the rotation policy adopted by the continental body.

"The good thing is that India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have all confirmed their participation in the Asia Cup and that it should not be derailed even if Australia's tour to Pakistan is affected due to security reasons," he said.

The ACC will also celebrate its 25th founding anniversary with Pakistan wanting to invite some two dozen delegates from the ICC and member boards for the celebrations.

The official confirmed that Australia's revised itinerary now included two Tests and five one-day internationals instead of the original schedule of three Tests, five one-dayers and a Twenty20 match.

"Obviously Australia have assured us they will compensate for the dropped matches later on." Australia is still to confirm its tour to Pakistan due to security concerns for its players. (Agencies)