Upon the Asian Cricket Council’s selection of Sri Lanka as the second venue, Sri Lanka Cricket proposed hosting the event in Dambulla, a dry area in the central part of the country. With two matches left to be played in Pakistan, the ACC is expected to make a final decision on the venue within the next 24-48 hours. However, it’s important to note that even keeping the tournament in Pallekele carries the risk of rain.
Due to continuous heavy rainfall in Colombo, the Asian Cricket Council is considering relocating the Super 4 stages of the Asia Cup. The Indian Express has learned that teams have been informed about the conditions in Sri Lanka’s capital, and Pallekele and Dambulla are being considered as alternative venues.
The current Asia Cup, following a hybrid model with matches in both Pakistan and Sri Lanka, is approaching the crucial Super 4 stage set to begin next week.
The ACC is expected to make a decision regarding the venue within the next 24 to 48 hours
This event, originally hosted by Pakistan, is now also taking place in Sri Lanka due to India’s decision not to cross the Line of Control (LOC). As previously noted, when the Asian Cricket Council chose Sri Lanka as the second venue, Sri Lanka Cricket proposed hosting the event in Dambulla, a dry area in the central part of the country.
“How disappointing! Rain mars the greatest contest in cricket. But this was forecast. As PCB Chair, I urged the ACC to play in UAE but poor excuses were made to accommodate Sri Lanka. Too hot in Dubai, they said. But it was as hot when the Asia Cup was played there last time in…” — Najam Sethi
How disappointing! Rain mars the greatest contest in cricket. But this was forecast. As PCB Chair, I urged the ACC to play in UAE but poor excuses were made to accommodate Sri Lanka. Too hot in Dubai, they said. But it was as hot when the Asia Cup was played there last time in…
— Najam Sethi (@najamsethi) September 2, 2023
However, due to reservations from broadcasters and teams about travelling to Dambulla, Pallekele and Colombo were selected as the venues. Unfortunately, both of these locations have experienced heavy rainfall for the past five days, which was evident when the India-Pakistan match scheduled for Saturday in Pallekele had to be cancelled due to rain.
Although there was optimism that the conditions in Colombo might improve, the recent heavy rains in the capital are now prompting the ACC to reconsider. Even though the first match in Colombo is scheduled for September 9, the ACC is worried about the unfavourable weather forecast.
Typically, Sri Lanka doesn’t host matches in September beyond the first week due to wet conditions, and if the Super 4 stages proceed in Colombo, it would be at the mercy of unpredictable rainfall.
The ACC is expected to make a final decision on the venue within the next 24-48 hours, with two matches still to be played in Pakistan. It’s important to note that even if the tournament remains in Pallekele, there is a chance of rain.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates
