Asia's Test-playing nations are reported to have initiated with their preparations for next year's World Cup, when they compete for the region's top one-day prize from Tuesday.

The four-nation Asia Cup will be contested in Sri Lanka over the next 10 days.

India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, who co-hosted the World Cup in February-April, will also witness Pakistan in a round-robin preliminary league with the top two teams in the final, slated to be held on June 24.

"This is a good chance to test our strengths and weaknesses and also see how the others are faring on the way to the World Cup", Indian Captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, quoted.

The match to be contested on Wednesday between India and Bangladesh would feel the absence of veteran Sachin Tendulkar, the world's well played Test and one-day batsman, who opted to take a rest because of a busy season ahead.

In addition, the match would witness the absence of Yuvraj Singh, who was dropped over poor performance after scoring just 74 runs in the five World Twenty20 matches. While, in five One-Day Internationals this year, he grabbed only 96 runs.

Pakistan, in full preparation to play against Sri Lanka on Tuesday, has recalled its renowned fast bowler, Shoaib Akhtar for the first time since May last year, when he was drooped because of his knee injury.