Amid the speculations over the hosting of the upcoming Asia Cup, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Wednesday (July 20) acknowledged that it won’t be in a position to stage the multi-nation tournament because of the economic and political crisis in the country.

According to a PTI report, SLC has informed the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) regarding the same. The development comes in the wake of the postponement of the third edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) due to the ongoing turmoil.

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“Sri Lankan cricket has conveyed that due to the existing political and economic situation in their country specially where foreign exchange is concerned it is not an ideal situation for them to host such a mega-event of six teams in the island,” an ACC source was quoted as saying by the PTI.

As per the source, SLC has conveyed the message that the board would like to host the tournament in UAE or some other country.

The ACC is likely to make an announcement in the next few days, considering that the Asia Cup is scheduled to be played in August and September before the T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia.

“UAE is not the final replacement venue, it could be some other country, even India as the ACC, Sri Lanka Cricket will first have to talk with Emirates Cricket Board officials to get final approval for the event,” the official said.

Asia Cup 2022, in a T20 format, was announced to be held in Sri Lanka between August 27 and September 11. The island nation was declared host for the marquee event after an AGM was held between the member countries in March this year.

All five Test teams including Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh are set to feature in the competition, with one more team to join them after a qualifying tournament which is slated to be held in August.

(With PTI inputs)