Heavy Rains May Relocate Asia Cup Matches From Colombo

Five Super Four matches and the final have been set for Colombo beginning September 9, but there are no prospects of the weather improving.

In this regard, the ACC is now in talks with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and event host Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) about a possible venue modification.

According to the PTI, three locations are being considered: Pallekele, Dambulla, and Hambantota. The six competing teams have also been notified of the potential change of venue.

Pallekele is now hosting Asia Cup league matches, but the likelihood of rain in this highland town is also high. Dambulla is around 70 km from Pallekele, and the former city has far fewer chances of rain.

An SLC official, however, stated that the Rangiri International Cricket Stadium in Dambulla might not be able to host so many matches on such short notice.

The weather at Hambantota is expected to be the best in Sri Lanka at the time, and the ACC is closely monitoring the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium's readiness to host Asia Cup matches.

The ACC has another couple of days to make a decision, given that the Colombo leg begins only on September 9, but the Sri Lankan board did not want to leave the event to the elements.

Sri Lanka was roped in as the Asia Cup co-host following the hybrid format recommended by the PCB chief Najam Sethi.

"The tournament will be hosted in a hybrid model with four matches being held in Pakistan, and the remaining nine matches being played in Sri Lanka," the ACC had stated in June.
(With PTI inputs)