Asia Cup 2023 schedule has been significantly altered by PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf. Last week’s washed-out India vs. Pakistan match raised questions about Colombo’s Asia Cup hosting.
Asia Cup 2023 Update: Heavy Rain Concerns Prompt PCB’s Proposal
PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf made contact with ACC President and BCCI Secretary Jay Shah. Because of persistent heavy rains, Ashraf recommends moving the Asia Cup 2023 matches to Pakistan.
Rain is likely to fall heavily in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s largest city, during this period. The high-intensity match between India and Pakistan in Kandy was affected by these adverse weather conditions. The match was called off due to rain after India scored 266 runs in the first innings.
Current Scenario: No Rain Predicted in Pakistan
Due to the lack of rain forecasts for the entire month in Pakistan, Ashraf argued that the remaining Asia Cup matches should be relocated there. In response, Jay Shah said that the ACC is closely monitoring the situation
According to recent reports, ACC might consider changing the venue for the final six matches, including the grand final, from Colombo. Originally, all super-4 stage matches and the final were scheduled to take place at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on September 9, 10, 12, 14, and 15, culminating on September 17 with the final.
Weather Concerns: Potential Venue Shift
Currently, Colombo is experiencing heavy, extremely heavy rainfall, which could lead to a venue change for the remaining Asia Cup 2023 matches. There is consideration of relocating the matches, possibly to the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy or the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium in Dambulla, due to adverse weather conditions. In the coming week, thunderstorms are also predicted in the city.
According to Sri Lanka’s central weather forecasting agency, there will be showers or thundershowers at times in several provinces, including Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Central, and North-western. Galle, Matara, and Nuwara-eliya districts, particularly Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces, may experience fairly heavy showers of more than 50mm
Strong winds can be expected on the western slopes of the central hills, the northern and northern-central provinces.
Asia Cup 2023 Co-Host Arrangement
The Asia Cup 2023 will be held in Sri Lanka and Pakistan because of ongoing geopolitical tensions. In this hybrid arrangement, four matches will be played in Pakistan and the rest in Sri Lanka.
Stay tuned for more updates regarding the Asia Cup 2023 and a possible venue change to Pakistan.
