PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf on Monday contacted the ACC President and BCCI secretary Jay Shah. Ashraf suggested Shah to shift the Asia Cup 2023 matches to Pakistan given heavy rains in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka’s largest city, Colombo, where the matches are being held till September 17, is highly likely to record heavy rains during the period. The high-octane India vs Pakistan match in Kandy was washed out after the first innings last week. India scored 266 runs in the first innings, after which the match was called off.
ACC is monitoring the situation and will take decision soon: Jay Shah
Given the current situation, Ashraf reportedly told Shah that the remaining Asia Cup matches could be shifted to Pakistan since there is no rainfall predicted in the country for the entire month. Shah replied and said that the ACC is monitoring the situation, Pakistan’s Dawn News reported.
Meanwhile, there is a possibility of relocating the Super 4 stage matches of the Asia Cup, originally planned for Colombo on September 9, to alternate venues such as Pallekele or Hambantota. According to the media reports by the Daily Mirror, ongoing discussions between the Asian Cricket Council and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have been confirmed by an SLC official.
“A decision will be taken tomorrow or the day after,” the official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said adding that Dambulla was not one of the venues being considered.
Meanwhile, India is taking on Nepal in Pallekele. The Indian side has won the toss and opted to have a field first. The rain has already made its presence felt in the game and is likely to play a part in the remainder of the competition.
