Abu Dhabi: An India–Pakistan match is always one of the most eagerly awaited cricketing contests, but political turmoil has time and again derailed the efforts of cricket boards of both countries of staging a bilateral series. At a time when it is still not clear if Pakistan will tour India for the World Twenty20, the Asia Cup T20 has suddenly sparked a lot of interest.

The bilateral series, which was shelved last year, was a huge dampener for the fans, but cricket buffs will be gearing up for the high-octane contest between the two arch rivals to be held at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka, on February 27.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) will have to be given some credit here as they have put in some thought to ignite life into Asia’s showpiece event that was clearly losing its significance. The move to change the format from 50 overs to T20 seems to be a masterstroke to get the tournament back on its feet as it can be a prefect dress rehearsal for the Asian teams ahead of the World Twenty20.

The long-term plan to keep alternating the tournament between both formats in the run-up to the T20 and 50-over World Cups should keep the tournament’s weightage intact.

The Indian team, led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, start as firm favourites given the form they are in. A 3-0 rout of the might Australians in the latter’s own den, followed by a 2-1 win at home against Sri Lanka speaks volumes of their supremacy in slam bang cricket.

Pakistan, on the other hand, are still doing a lot of chopping and changing ahead of the tournament and looks like they still don’t have a clear picture on what their playing eleven would be. The selectors must have had a close look at their new baby — the Pakistan Super League (PSL), which ended in the UAE on Tuesday night — to get their combination right.

The team led by the mercurial Shahid Afridi, has named opener Sharjeel Khan and pacer Mohammad Sami in the squad following their performance for Islamabad United. Khan smashed 117 off 62 balls to score the first century of the PSL against Afridi’s Peshawar Zalmi on Sunday. The left-hander had scored 287 runs in 10 PSL matches with an impressive strike rate of 151.05. Khan replaced Babar Azam, who broke his left forearm during practice in the PSL and is out for over three weeks. It will be interesting to see if Khan can make this opportunity count.

Sami, on the other hand, had claimed 11 wickets ahead of the PSL finals, with best figures of 5 for 8. He replaces the injured left-arm fast bowler Ruman Raees, who has a grade one hamstring strain.

The Lanka Lions need to look for inspiration from the success they have achieved in Bangladesh - the Asia Cup and the ICC World T20 triumph in 2014.

However, they have made sweeping changes to the squad that played against India recently. The reigning World T20 champions, who are still searching to fill in the void left by Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, have been bolstered with the inclusion of seasoned campaigners Lasith Malinga, Angelo Mathews, Rangana Herath and Nuwan Kulasekara.

All four veterans are returning to the Lankan setup after recovering from injuries. The absence of Malinga, Mathews and Herath had clearly hurt Sri Lanka against India and they will be keen to make their mark. However, the major worry for Sri Lanka is the form of their openers - Niroshan Dickwella and Tillakaratne Dilshan, who were found wanting against India.

The Bangla tigers, playing in their backyard, will know the conditions well but they have to play out of their skins to make an impression here. Their T20 record at home is not as great as in the ODIs since they have managed to win only three matches, and that too against Zimbabwe.

Openers Soumya Sarkar and Imrul Kayes can provide them with brisk starts. Mahmudullah, at No. 3, also has the reputation of being a big hitter but he is often criticised for taking up too many deliveries before flexing his muscles. Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hassan add more solidity to the Bangladesh team and all-rounder Hassan’s contribution with the ball will also be key if Bangladesh are to spring a surprise.

Skipper Mashrafe Mortaza’s presence in the lower order with Sabbir Rahman and Nasir Hossain will bring in more value as all of them can bat. The absence of Rubel Hussain with injury might hurt them slightly in the bowling department.

With the UAE completing the final berth in the tournament with a clean sweep in the qualifiers, there will certainly be plenty of thrills and chills in the offing - so stay tuned.

Twenty20 Asia Cup 2016 Schedule

February 24: India vs Bangladesh (5.30 pm UAE)

Feb.25: Sri Lanka vs UAE (5.30)

Feb.26: Bangladesh vs UAE (5.30)

Feb.27: India vs Pakistan (5.30)

Feb.28: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka (5.30)

Feb.29: Pakistan vs UAE (5.30)

March 1: India vs Sri Lanka (5.30)

March 2: Pakistan vs Bangladesh (5.30)

March 3: India vs UAE (5.30)

March 4: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka (5.30)

March 6: Final (5.30).