COLOMBO: The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has summoned an emergency meeting to discuss a change in venue for the remaining matches of the Asia Cup 2023 after heavy rainfall in Colombo.
The participating teams have been informed about the weather conditions in Sri Lanka’s capital. As a result, Pallekele and Dambulla are being considered as viable alternative venue for the remaining matches.
While the first match in Colombo is scheduled for September 9, the ACC is expressing concern about the bleak weather forecasts in the coming days.
The ACC is expected to make a final decision on the venue within the next 24-48 hours. The ACC will inform the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after the decision is made.
The PCB has expressed its reservations about the ACC’s abrupt decision to change the venue. The Indian cricket team has raised concerns about the arrangements and hotel facilities in Dambulla.
According to the weather forecast, thundery showers are expected in Colombo for the next 15 days and the Asia Cup Super Four matches including the event’s final are scheduled to be held there.
The ACC’s decision to hold the Asia Cup during the rainy season in Sri Lanka has drawn criticism. The most anticipated match between India and Pakistan was washed out due to persistent rainfall at Pallekele International Stadium in Kandy.
Former PCB chairman Najam Sethi expressed his disappointment following the cancellation of the Pakistan-India match due to rain.
Sethi revealed that during his tenure, he strongly advocated for hosting the Asia Cup matches in the UAE to avoid weather-related interruptions.
“How disappointing! Rain mars the greatest contest in cricket. But this was forecast. As PCB Chair, I urged the ACC to play in UAE but poor excuses were made to accommodate Sri Lanka. Too hot in Dubai, they said. But it was as hot when the Asia Cup was played there last time in Sep 2022 or when IPL was played there in April 2014 and Sep 2020. Politics over sport. Unforgivable,” Sethi posted on social media platform X.
Sri Lanka became a co-host for the 2023 Asia Cup after India declined to travel to Pakistan for the event. As a compromise, a hybrid model was adopted, with four matches being played in Pakistan and the remaining matches in Sri Lanka.
