The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) on Tuesday (September 5) decided to retain Colombo as the venue for the Asia Cup Super 4 and final matches as the weather in the Sri Lankan capital has shown signs of improvement, PTI reported.

It has been speculated over the last few days that the Super 4 and final games of the Asia Cup could be moved to Hambantota in the wake of heavy rains in Colombo.

According to the report, ACC held a meeting with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), hosts Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the official broadcaster before arriving at the decision.

The broadcaster also expressed concerns over relocating their equipment and staff to Hambantota at such a short notice.

Apparently, it was SLC who suggested Hambantota as an alternate venue for the remaining Asia Cup fixtures in Sri Lanka as the city has been experiencing sunshine over the last few weeks.

The Sri Lanka-leg of Super 4 will get underway with a high-voltage clash between India and Pakistan at the R Premadasa Stadium on September 10.

The league match between the arch-rivals was abandoned due to rain after India posted 266 on the board. India’s second group match against Nepal in Pallekele was also marred by rain on Monday (September 4).

In the wake of rain-affected games, the ACC also entertained the idea of shifting the matches to Pallekele and Dambulla only to discard it later.

While Pallekele too has been experiencing heavy rains, the Rangiri International Stadium in Dambulla is under maintenance to install new floodlights and a few other facilities.

(With PTI Inputs)