Despite Pakistan being the designated host, it’s Sri Lanka will conduct most of the matches in Asia Cup 2023. However, the pitches in Colombo and Kandy used for Lanka Premier League (LPL 2023) have not given any confidence. Furthermore, snakes have become a problem too. It raises the question, is Sri Lanka ready to host the Asia Cup?
Sri Lanka will host 9 games, including the final. The Indian Cricket Team will play all its games here after the BCCI’s refusal to travel to Pakistan. The nine games will be played over two weeks, increasing the strain on the surfaces. Add to that the wear and tear already in place from the LPL. The tournament saw teams play 24 matches in Colombo and Kandy in 20 days.
The pitches have already seen a level of deterioration. Colombo, which will host the Asia Cup final, has witnessed two games with scores below 100 in the space of 3 days. Only one game has seen the 200-run mark breached, while scores above 180 have also been a rarity. Former Sri Lanka all-rounder Sanath Jayasuriya was visibly disappointed with the conditions on offer.
Furthermore, snakes have been a major issue. Three times this season, snakes have interrupted games during the Lanka Premier League. Isuru Udana survived a scare, almost stepping onto one while fielding.
The SLC have come under intense scrutiny during LPL 2023. However, it will be PCB that hosts the Asia Cup starting in two weeks. The PCB will host a 3-game ODI series before the Asia Cup, helping them get in tune with the conditions on offer. The ticket sales have already begun, including for the India vs Pakistan matches.
Sri Lanka last hosted a multi-nation tournament back in 2012, when they hosted the T20 World Cup. They had also hosted the 2011 World Cup alongside India and Bangladesh. Their last Asia Cup hosting rights came more than a decade earlier, in 2010. India had won the tournament back then, and the competition was a massive success.
With the World Cup little over a month away, the Asia Cup is of paramount importance. All participating teams, except Nepal, will play in the tournament starting on October 5. Most squads will be at full strength making it an ideal dress rehearsal. Thus, for PCB, it is key that they get the issues in order and ensure some competitive action.
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