Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Jay Shah has accepted the proposal put forth by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Zaka Ashraf to assess the situation arising from incessant rains in Sri Lanka, which are posing a threat to the Asia Cup 2023 schedule, reliable sources have informed Geo News.
The impetus for this review stems from the unfortunate washout of the highly anticipated Pakistan vs. India match on Saturday due to heavy downpours in Pallekelle. Additionally, concerns have arisen as the Super 4 phase of the tournament is slated to take place in Colombo, which is currently grappling with urban flooding after continued rainfall.
Zaka Ashraf reportedly conveyed to Jay Shah that Sri Lanka is expecting more rain, which could potentially disrupt the matches. In contrast, Pakistan is experiencing clear weather with no imminent rain forecast, according to sources close to the matter.
“The Asia Cup is a prestigious tournament, and it should not be adversely affected by inclement weather conditions,” emphasized PCB chief Zaka Ashraf, as indicated by the sources. Jay Shah, who also serves as the secretary of the Indian cricket board, responded positively to the proposal, stating, “Let’s discuss the situation,” sources reported.
However, complicating matters further, Sri Lankan and Pakistan cricket boards, along with the ACC, are grappling with resistance from Indian officials. The Indian representatives are opposing the relocation of matches to Dambulla, citing concerns about the standard of hotels in the city, sources revealed.
Simultaneously, broadcasters have rejected the idea of shifting the venue to Hambantota due to concerns about sub-standard hotel arrangements, according to inside sources.
In response to the escalating situation, an emergency meeting of the regional cricket body has been scheduled, during which the latest developments will be discussed. A decision regarding the potential change of venue is expected to be reached within the next 24 to 36 hours.
The PCB has expressed its reservations about the current situation and has requested that these concerns be addressed promptly. “The ACC will explore various options and keep the PCB, as the hosts of the event, informed,” sources stated.
It’s worth noting that the Asia Cup 2023 was originally scheduled to be held in Pakistan. However, due to the Indian cricket board’s refusal to send their team to Pakistan, some matches had to be moved to Sri Lanka. At the time, the then PCB-chair Najam Sethi had also proposed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as an alternative venue, but this idea was dismissed due to concerns about hot weather in the Gulf nation.
Visuals from Colombo after all the rains, expected to rain next week as well 👀
How are we going to have the Super Four round there? 😔 #AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/XvtVhnnxwt
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) September 3, 2023
Visuals from Colombo after all the rains, expected to rain next week as well
