Despite fears of inclement weather, the remaining Asia Cup games will be played in Colombo, as per schedule.
A Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) official confirmed on Tuesday that considering the logistics and weather involved, the R. Premadasa will “continue to host the Super Four and final games”.
Due to the flooding in parts of Colombo over the last week, the tournament broadcaster had requested at least the Super Four stage to be moved out of Colombo. The demand grew louder after Saturday’s clash between India and Pakistan had to be abandoned after the first innings.
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) - in consultation with tournament host Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and SLC - had been contemplating Hambantota as a possible alternative since Sunday.
READ |Asia Cup Super 4 schedule
However, with the weather in Colombo having cleared and Hambantota witnessing rain on Tuesday, the tournament authorities have decided to stick to Colombo.
Despite the Premadasa pitches being covered for almost a week, SLC officials are confident that the pitches will be ready in time for Saturday’s Super Four opener, should the weather steer clear.
With the Indian team deciding to stick to its plan of travelling to Colombo from Pallekele on Tuesday, it was clear the schedule was to remain unchanged. Besides the Indian team’s reluctance to travel to Hambantota, The Hindu understands that the logistical hurdles were also factored in before sticking to the home of Sri Lankan cricket.
But hundreds, if not thousands, India and Pakistan supporters travelling to Sri Lanka would have been disheartened had the games been moved from Colombo. Barring the final, ticket sales have begun for all the games.
The weather forecast for Colombo for the next two weeks is not encouraging but the authorities are confident there will be very few no results.
Comments
SHARE