It has been confirmed on Wednesday (May 19) that the Asia Cup 2021 which was to be hosted by Sri Lanka has been called off due to the rising cases of COVID-19 in the region.

The Asia Cup was set to be played in June but the growing threat from the pandemic has ensured the postponement of the tournament for the second year in a row.

“Due to the prevailing situation, it will not be possible to play the tournament in June this year,” Sri Lanka Cricket CEO Ashley de Silva told reporters.

He also added that the tournament might now be put off until after the 2023 Cricket World Cup as the schedules for all the teams are packed for the next two years.

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The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) headed by BCCI secretary Jay Shah is yet to make a formal announcement.

Sri Lanka is set to host Bangladesh and India in the next two months for white-ball series with the Asian rivals.

(With PTI inputs)