Heavy Rains Prompt ACC to Consider Shifting Asia Cup Matches from Colombo

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is currently evaluating the possibility of relocating the Super 4 stage matches of the Asia Cup due to incessant heavy rains in Colombo, as reported by The Indian Express.

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September 3, 2023

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Heavy Rains Prompt ACC to Consider Shifting Asia Cup Matches from Colombo

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is currently evaluating the possibility of relocating the Super 4 stage matches of the Asia Cup due to incessant heavy rains in Colombo, as reported by The Indian Express.

Heavy Rains ACC

Persistent rainfall in Colombo raises concerns for Asia Cup Super 4 stage venue

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is currently evaluating the possibility of relocating the Super 4 stage matches of the Asia Cup due to incessant heavy rains in Colombo, as reported by The Indian Express.

Weather Woes in Colombo

Teams participating in the Asia Cup have been alerted to the adverse weather conditions in Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo. Consequently, alternative venues such as Pallekele and Dambulla are being considered as viable options.

The first match scheduled in Colombo is set for September 9, but the ACC is apprehensive about the unfavorable weather forecasts.

Pending Decision and Criticism

With two more matches yet to be played in Pakistan, the ACC is expected to reach a final verdict on the venue within the next 24-48 hours.

The ACC’s decision to hold the Asia Cup during Sri Lanka’s rainy season has faced significant backlash.

Najam Sethi, the former chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee, expressed his disappointment following the cancellation of the highly anticipated Pakistan-India match in the 2023 Asia Cup due to rain at the Pallekele International Stadium in Kandy, Sri Lanka.

Sethi disclosed that during his tenure, he vehemently advocated for hosting Asia Cup matches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to avoid weather-related disruptions.

Sethi's Critique

“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 the X social media platform.

Compromise and Criticism

It’s worth noting that 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 suggested by Sethi was adopted, with four matches of the Asia Cup 2023 being played in Pakistan and the remaining matches in Sri Lanka. However, this decision has now faced criticism due to the weather-related disruptions that have affected the tournament in Sri Lanka.

Last Updated: Sep 3, 2023