Asia Cup 2023: Super-4 fixtures likely to be shifted out of Colombo in the wake of heavy rain – Report

Colombo is scheduled to stage five Super-4 matches and the final from September 9 onwards.

By Salman Anjum - 03 Sep, 2023

In the wake of the heavy rains that have been pelting down in Colombo, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is thinking about changing the venue for the Super-4 stage games of the Asia Cup 2023.

Notably, Colombo is scheduled to stage five Super-4 matches and the final from September 9 onwards but there are hardly any signs of the weather improving.

According to a PTI report, the ACC is currently having a discussion with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and tournament host Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) about the possible change of venue.

The report also claimed that three venues are under consideration – Pallekele, Dambulla and Hambantota. Moreover, the participating teams have also been informed about the possible change in venue.

Pallekele is currently hosting the Asia Cup league matches and the inclement weather playing spoilsport in this hill town is also on the higher side

While the chances of rain are much less in Dambulla, a SLC official told PTI that the Rangiri International Cricket Stadium might not be ready to stage so many matches at a short notice.

The weather in Hambantota is expected to be the brightest, and the ACC is reportedly assessing the readiness of Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium for Super-4 fixtures.

The ACC has another couple of days to take a final decision, considering the Colombo leg starts only on September 9.

Notably, Sri Lanka was not supposed to host the Asia Cup 2023. It was a last-minute decision as the Asian Cricket Council had no choice but to opt for a hybrid model after BCCI refused to send its team to Pakistan, the designated host for the tournament.

As per the hybrid model, four games of the continental tournament will be held in Pakistan while rest of the fixtures including all of India’s matches and the final will be held in Sri Lanka.

(With PTI Inputs)

By Salman Anjum - 03 Sep, 2023

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