Those who are keenly waiting for India vs Pakistan (IND vs PAK) matches can now breathe easy. The weather is improving in Colombo and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has decided against shifting Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2023, to Hambantota. Colombo will host Super 4 matches as well as the final on September 17.
Sri Lanka Cricket has proposed Hambantota, which is located in the southeast part of the island, as the appropriate location for the tournament. But the original host Pakistan asked ACC to move matches to Lahore for smooth conduct of matches.
However, with Star Sports, the official broadcaster against the idea due to logistical difficulties, ACC has green-signalled the Colombo leg. The most notable India vs Pakistan clash will be in Colombo on Sunday. Furthermore, Hambantota is also facing drought in the last few weeks. Hence, it is not ideal for matches to be shifted either.
On Sunday, the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo will host the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup, which will feature an India vs Pakistan (IND vs PAK) match.
However, Colombo has seen significant rainfall over the past weekend and into this Monday, which has caused the ACC to look into alternative strategies to lessen the impact of rain on games.
So far in the Sri Lanka leg, an India vs Pakistan (IND vs PAK) at Pallekele on Saturday was called off. On Monday, Rohit Sharma’s squad defeated Nepal by 10 wickets in Asia Cup 2023 Group A match that was affected due to rain.
No rain now in Asia Cup 2023
Since Sunday, there have been conversations about moving the matches outside of Colombo, with Pallekele and Dambulla also being taken into consideration.
Hambantota emerged as an option, though, as the forecast for Pallekele does not inspire much confidence and the Rangiri Stadium in Dambulla is undergoing restoration. Given that it often doesn’t rain much in September, Hambantota seemed to be the safer choice among the venues under consideration.
However, logistical issues and drought have now forced Colombo leg to go ahead without hiccups. To make things merrier, weather predictions are improving for Colombo.
The Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Sooriyawewa is located adjacent to a jungle, and the nearest team accommodation is 45 kilometres away.
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