In two days’ time, Colombo weather will top Google search queries. With rain lashing out in the capital city in Sri Lanka, the fate of India vs Pakistan (IND vs PAK) remains uncertain. Even though Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has decided against shifting Asia Cup 2023 out of Colombo, Sri Lanka Cricket is keeping contingencies ready. Apart from Colombo, Pallekele and Hambantota are ready to go at any time.
“We prepared all three grounds for the whole tournament. But first part was in Kandy and the second part is scheduled in Colombo. Even though we have an additional ground in Hambantota, ACC has decided to play here. But in time, we can shift there also,” Godfrey Dabrera, national curator of Sri Lanka Cricket, told PTI.
Till Tuesday, there was no clarity over the venue in Sri Lanka. While ACC sent out emails to the participating teams confirming the Asia Cup Super 4 and final will be in Hambantota, Jay Shah-led body retracted the email. By Tuesday evening, ACC confirmed that the matches will remain in Colombo. On Thursday, it officially confirmed the same.
Colombo Weather to impact IND vs PAK?
Even though Colombo leg begins on Saturday, on Thursday, things looked bleak. It has been raining the whole day with some cases of waterlogging in different parts of the city. There have also been warnings of flash flood.
As per weather forecast stations, there is an 80-90% chance of rain every day for at least over the next week or so. On Sunday (Sep 10), the day of India vs Pakistan match, there is a 95% chance of rain.
After the first IND vs PAK match was washed out, another no result in India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2023 clash would put Jay Shah under immense pressure. ACC president Jay Shah and BCCI forced Asia Cup 2023 out of Pakistan. Even though Pakistan retained four matches, Sri Lanka got the hosting rights for all important clashes including the final and IND vs PAK games.
At the R Premadasa Stadium, no groundwork was possible on Thursday. Entire stadium including the outfield was under wraps with heavy rain lashing over the stadium. Team India which travelled to Colombo on Wednesday had an indoor practice session as outdoor practice was not possible.
However, will the Asian Cricket Council take another U-turn and shift the venue to Hambantota? It is about 260 km away from Colombo and it’s dry for now. However, there is also a 40% chance of rain in Hambantota. Will ACC take the risk?
Asia Cup 2023 Schedule – Revised
| Date | Venue | Match | Stage | Match Timing/Result |
| 6 Sep | Lahore | Pakistan vs Bangladesh | Super 4 | 3:00 PM IST (Pak win by 7 wickets) |
| 9 Sep | Colombo | Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh | Super 4 | 3:00 PM IST |
| 10 Sep | Colombo | India vs Pakistan | Super 4 | 3:00 PM IST |
| 11 Sep | Colombo | Reserve Day | (Ind won by 228 runs) | |
| 12 Sep | Colombo | India vs Sri Lanka | Super 4 | (India won by 41 runs) |
| 14 Sep | Colombo | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Super 4 | (Sri Lanka won by 2 wickets) |
| 15 Sep | Colombo | India vs Bangladesh | Super 4 | 3:00 PM IST |
| 17 Sep | Colombo | Final | 3:00 PM IST | |
| 18 Sep | Colombo | Reserve Day |
