Asia CUP 2022 LIVE: Where is SriLanka Squad Asia Cup? With just a week left for Asia Cup 2022, Sri Lanka Cricket officials finally reached UAE. The delay was caused by Sri Lankan government’s refusal to approve the officials’ travel. The SL govt is unhappy with the SLC for not “doing enough” to retain the tournament in the island nation. But on Friday, the officials finally met the UAE Minister of Tolerance and handed over the Asia Cup 2022 Trophy. However, the Sri Lankan sports ministry is yet to approve the squad. Follow Asia Cup Cricket T20 LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN.
As per a Sunday Times Sri Lanka report, an opposition MP questioned the decision to shift Asia Cup 2022 out of Sri Lanka. Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe and Chairman of the National Sports Council Arjuna Ranatunga backed the position. They said SLC did not “lobby enough” to keep the tournament in the island nation. SLC Secretary Mohan de Silva later slammed the questions and said it was a wild allegation, aimed at maligning SLC’s image.
“These are wild allegations to bring discredit to the institution with ulterior motives. It is very unfortunate to see responsible people who represent the masses of our country talking without verifying facts and misleading the general public,” SLC Secretary Mohan de Silva was quoted by Sunday Times.
Asia Cup 2022 LIVE: Fans go CRAZY to get glimpse…
Asia CUP 2022 LIVE: After long delay, Sri Lankan government FINALLY allows local officials to travel to UAE, but yet to approve SriLanka team: Follow LIVE UPDATES
“Unfortunately, the situation in Sri Lanka is currently not favourable to garner the confidence of key stakeholders of ACC for such an important multi-team tournament,” ACC President Jay Shah wrote to SLC chief Shammi Silva.
Asia CUP 2022 LIVE: After long delay, Sri Lankan government FINALLY allows local officials to travel to UAE, but yet to approve SriLanka team: Follow LIVE UPDATES
Asia Cup 2022 LIVE: Why SLC hasn’t announced the squad yet?
- Sri Lanka was the original host of the Asia Cup Cricket T20.
- But ACC moved out the tournament to the UAE due to Sri Lanka’s political crisis.
- The official broadcaster Star Sports requested the ACC to shift the venue out as the country is facing acute fuel shortage.
- It would have resulted in logistical hassles.
- Following ACC’s decision to shift the tournament to UAE, SLC signed a memorandum of understanding with UAE Cricket. It was done to carry out the logistical arrangements jointly.
- But it miffed the Sri Lankan government. They considered it as a national embarrassment especially when Sri Lanka hosted Australia and Pakistan successfully.
- Lankan govt alleged that SLC did not do enough to retain the hosting rights and caved in to ACC and Star Sports.
- The government still hasn’t approved the Sri Lankan team for Asia Cup, saying they did not receive the team in time.
- However, the things are moving in the right direction. The government has finally allowed the SLC team to travel to the UAE.
- The SLC officials on Friday handed the Asia Cup 2022 trophy to UAE Minister of Tolerance Sheikh Al Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan.
Furthermore, the SLC is yet to announce the squad for Asia Cup. Sri Lanka are supposed to face Afghanistan in the first match on August 27. But despite crossing the deadline on August 8, there has been no announcement. As per reports, the Sri Lankans sports ministry hasn’t approved the team yet.
Asia CUP 2022 LIVE: After long delay, Sri Lankan government FINALLY allows local officials to travel to UAE, but yet to approve SriLanka team: Follow LIVE UPDATES
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