Asia Cup 2023 Matches To Be Shifted From Colombo Due to Heavy Rain Forecast; Dambulla, Pallekele Being Looked As Alternate Venues: Report
The India vs Pakistan match in Pallekele was washed out due to rainfall with no play being possible at all in the second innings. There is however a heavy rain forecast in Colombo, which would host the Super Four stage matches in this tournament.
Rain was the eventual winner in the exciting India vs Pakistan match in Asia Cup 2023 on Saturday, September 2. The first innings was interrupted a number of times due to a downpour in Kandy and worse, there was no play possible at all in the second innings with the pitch at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium being put under covers due to continuous rainfall. Fans would not be too happy with this but there further forecast for rainfall in Colombo, which is slated to host the matches in the Super Four Stage. It has now been reported that keeping this factor in mind, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is pondering moving the Super Four stage matches to venues away from Colombo. The Sri Lankan capital has been receiving heavy rainfall in recent times and hence, such a consideration. What Happens if India vs Nepal Asia Cup 2023 Match is Washed Out Due to Rain in Pallekele? Who Will Qualify for Super Four Round? Know Details.
According to a report in The Indian Express, the ACC is considering shifting the Super Four stage matches from Colombo to venues like Dambulla and Pallekele. The report also states that Sri Lanka did suggest Dambulla as one of the venues for the tournament in the island nation when they picked to co-host the competition alongside Pakistan in a hybrid model. But the venue eventually did not get the nod with broadcasters as well and teams not willing to travel to the place. A decision on this is expected to be made soon. Fans React With Funny Memes As Rain Plays Spoilsport in India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2023 Match.
Earlier, former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi expressed his dissatisfaction at the India vs Pakistan match being called off due to rain. In a tweet, he shared that, during his stay in office, had suggested UAE be picked as the venue after India decided to not travel to Pakistan for the tournament due to political tensions between both nations. However, he revealed that the ACC did not listen to his recommendation. The India vs Nepal match in Pallekele too faces a rain threat and the Men in Blue can only make it to the Super Four stage if they avoid a loss against Nepal.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 03, 2023 07:06 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).