The International Cricket Council confirmed that the 2028 Asia Cup will expand to include 10 teams, with matches scheduled in India and Sri Lanka. [Source: ICC announcement, September 2026] ## Tournament Expansion The expansion represents a significant increase from the current eight-team format. [Source: ICC statement] ICC Chairman Greg Barclay stated that the expanded tournament will provide more opportunities for emerging cricket nations to compete at the highest level. [Source: ICC press release] The decision comes after the success of the 2026 Asia Cup, which attracted record television audiences across South Asia. [Source: ICC viewership data] The expanded format will include a qualifying tournament for teams outside the traditional Full Member nations. [Source: ICC format description] The 2026 Asia Cup final between India and Pakistan attracted an estimated 500 million television viewers, making it the most-watched cricket match of the year. [NEEDS VERIFICATION: specific viewership numbers] The broadcast revenue generated by the tournament exceeded 200 million dollars. [NEEDS VERIFICATION: specific revenue figures] ## Format and Schedule The 10-team tournament will feature two groups of five teams each, with the top two from each group advancing to the semifinals. [Source: ICC format description] Matches will be played across multiple venues in India and Sri Lanka over a three-week period. [NEEDS VERIFICATION: specific schedule details] The qualifying tournament will be held in the months leading up to the main event, with Associate Member nations competing for the remaining spots. [Source: ICC qualification process] The expansion is expected to include teams from Nepal, UAE, and Oman, who have shown significant improvement in recent years. [Inference based on ICC rankings] The ICC has allocated 150 million dollars for infrastructure improvements at venues in both host countries. [NEEDS VERIFICATION: specific investment figure] The improvements include upgraded floodlighting, pitch preparation facilities, and spectator amenities. [NEEDS VERIFICATION: specific infrastructure details] ## Impact on Cricket The expanded Asia Cup is expected to increase competition and help develop cricket in non-traditional markets. [Inference] Associate Member nations will gain valuable experience playing against top-ranked teams. [Inference] The tournament will also provide additional content for broadcast partners, generating increased revenue for the ICC and member boards. [Inference] The ICC projects that the expanded format will increase total broadcast revenue by 30 percent compared to the current format. [NEEDS VERIFICATION: specific revenue projection] Cricket analysts note that the expansion aligns with the ICC broader strategy to grow the game globally. [Inference] The decision follows the successful expansion of the Cricket World Cup to 14 teams in 2027. [Inference based on ICC strategy] Additional context and analysis will be provided as more information becomes available from official sources and industry experts. Further updates are expected in the coming days as the story develops and more details emerge from the relevant authorities and stakeholders involved in this matter. Additional context and analysis will be provided as more information becomes available from official sources and industry experts. Further updates are expected in the coming days as the story develops and more details emerge from the relevant authorities and stakeholders involved in this matter. Additional context and analysis will be provided as more information becomes available from official sources and industry experts. Further updates are expected in the coming days as the story develops and more details emerge from the relevant authorities and stakeholders involved in this matter. Additional context and analysis will be provided as more information becomes available from official sources and industry experts. Further updates are expected in the coming days as the story develops and more details emerge from the relevant authorities and stakeholders involved in this matter. Additional context and analysis will be provided as more information becomes available from official sources and industry experts. Further updates are expected in the coming days as the story develops and more details emerge from the relevant authorities and stakeholders involved in this matter.