Due to worries about rain disrupting matches in Sri Lanka, efforts are underway to relocate the Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 and Final matches from Colombo to Pallekele. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is in discussions with the event hosts, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), to investigate the potential of changing the venue. The decision is allegedly to move these games from Colombo to Hambantota on Monday, September 4.
Pallekele is currently hosting Asia Cup league matches, but it is subject to a higher danger of rain. Dambulla, roughly 70 km away, has a better weather outlook with lesser chances of rain. However, SLC is concerned about the Rangiri International Cricket Stadium in Dambulla’s ability to host many matches on short notice.
Super Four matches of Asia Cup 2023 shifts:
Super 4 matches of the Asia Cup will happen at Hambantota. [Dainik Jagran] pic.twitter.com/3iIPB4uIDR
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 4, 2023
On the other hand, Hambantota is now experiencing the best weather in Sri Lanka. The ACC carefully assessed the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota’s capability to host Asia Cup matches. The tournament’s Super Four stage is set to begin on September 9. The Sri Lankan board has resolved that the event’s fate will not be influenced by unpredictable weather circumstances.
PCB Chairman Najam Sethi also declared his decision on Twitter. He stated, “How disheartening! The greatest cricket match is ruined by rain. However, this was predicted. I requested the ACC to play in the UAE as PCB Chair, but bad excuses were given to accommodate Sri Lanka. They complained that Dubai was too hot. However, it was just as hot when the Asia Cup was held there in September 2022, or when the IPL was held there in April 2014 and September 2020.”
“Politics above sport is unforgivable!” tweeted the PCB chairman. Notably. Following their victory over Nepal, Pakistan has already qualified for the Super Four phases of the Asia Cup 2023. However, due to rain, their second group-stage game against India was cancelled.
For the unversed, The 2023 Asia Cup will be the 16th edition of the Asia Cup, with matches played as One Day Internationals, and will be held jointly by Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Six teams are competing in the competition. It will take place from August 30 to September 17, 2023. The reigning champions are Sri Lanka.
So, this was all about the Super Four matches being shifted. Also read, Shahid Afridi picks knife for Gautam Gambhir in a TV show.
