The Asia Cup 2023 is being held on a hybrid model after the Control Board of Indian Cricket (BCCI) last year refused to travel to Pakistan to play the tournament. Pakistan and Sri Lanka co-hosted the tournament.
Colombo is also set to host five Super Four matches after just one as rain plays a key role in the Group ‘A’ competition between the Pallekele heavyweights.
According to ESPN repor “Officials from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed they were looking for other locations in Sri Lanka where weather is expected.
The publication said Colombo has been hit by heavy rain continuously over the past week, leading to flooding in several areas north of the city, not far from Khettarama Stadium. With two matches remaining in Pakistan, the ACC will likely make the final call to the venue in the next 24-48 hours. Holding the tournament in Pallekele also risks rain,” the reportt said.
Meanwhile, The Indian Express reports that teams have been briefed on the situation in the Sri Lankan capital and that Pallekele and Dambulla are being considered as alternatives. However Indian team would not agree to shift matches to Dumbulla because of less facilities and accomodation.
The report quoted a senior BCCI official confirming these developments and saying, “Yes, discussions are ongoing and the matches will most likely be moved out of Colombo due to the weather forecast in the area”.
