Irish broadcaster Setanta Sports is making a more aggressive push for cricket coverage from South Asia, announcing this week it is has secured the exclusive rights to this year’s Asia Cup, the one day cricket series from Pakistan.

Live coverage of the tournament begins on June 24 with Pakistan’s clash against Hong Kong and will culminate in a final from Lahore on July 6. The tournament will feature six sides including Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka.

Setanta Sports is available to Sky satellite viewers, on Freeview and through various cable providers.

Trevor East, Setanta’s Director of Sport, said: “Securing this deal for the Asia Cup is another really positive step for Setanta. To have another exciting cricket tournament on Setanta, following on from the inaugural the Indian Premier League, shows our commitment to bringing the very best in cricket to our subscribers.”

The Asia Cup’s ninth season will be played as a series of One Day, 50 over International matches, played at Lahore and Karachi.

Group Matches:

Tuesday 24th June, 11am local, 6am GMT
Group A - Bangladesh v United Arab Emirates, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Tuesday 24th June, 11am local, 6am GMT
Group B - Pakistan v Hong Kong, National Stadium, Karachi

Wednesday 25th June, 11:00 local, 6am GMT
Group A - Bangladesh v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Wednesday 25th June, 11:00 local, 6am GMT
Group B - Hong Kong v India, National Stadium, Karachi

Thursday 26th June, 11:00 local, 6am GMT
Group A - Sri Lanka v United Arab Emirates, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Thursday 26th June, 11:00 local, 6am GMT
Group B - India v Pakistan, National Stadium, Karachi