Rain has been the biggest spoilsport in the ongoing Asia Cup. Millions of fans were disappointed when the highly-anticipated clash between Pakistan and India was washed out due to downpours. The rainfall has cast a shadow over the remaining tournament.
There has been much criticism on holding matches in rainy Sri Lanka. It was forecasted that the region would face high amounts of rainfall during the current season. Yet, the cricketing boards of all member countries, presumably under Indian pressure, agreed to shift the tournament to the island.
Heavy rainfall has lashed Colombo where the remaining matches are supposed to be played. The weather forecast shows rain with thundershowers for the next 15 days. The Asia Cricket Council is considering shifting the matches to southern cities but there are massive logistical challenges and disruptions to team schedule.
Pakistan is the host of the tournament but only four matches are being played here while the remaining- including the final- are being played in Sri Lanka. These matches were shifted due to Indian unwillingness to travel to Pakistan over flimsy pretenses even though all major foreign teams have visited the country in recent years. As a result, Pakistani fans are deprived of watching quality cricket on their home grounds while the entire tournament risks being washed out.
The results would have been different if the matches were held in Pakistan which has clear skies and dry weather. Pakistan Cricket Board claims it suggested holding the tournament in UAE but the Indian side complained of extreme hot weather even though the IPL was shifted there in 2020 during the same month.
It seems that India’s cricket board has spoiled the tournament for Pakistan by having an overbearing effect on making decisions. The PCB floated the hybrid model to salvage the tournament but instead, the Indian sides seem to have taken the limelight away from what may have been Pakistan’s glorious win.
