PremiumSuper 4 matches in Asia Cup 2023 to move away from Colombo? Check details here
All six participating teams have been informed about the potential venue change.
Last Updated: 05.25 PM, Sep 04, 2023
With rain being a major cause of concern, especially for the matches happening in Sri Lanka, it has been learnt that the location for the Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 and the Final matches may be shifted from Colombo to Pallekele. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is currently in talks with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the tournament hosts, to explore the possibility of relocating the venue.
SLC has put forth three potential venues for consideration: Pallekele, Dambulla, and Hambantota. All six participating teams have been informed about the potential venue change.
Presently, Pallekele is hosting the Asia Cup league matches, but this hill town carries a higher risk of rain. Dambulla, situated about 70 kilometres away, has a more favourable forecast with lower chances of rainfall.
However, there are concerns within SLC about the Rangiri International Cricket Stadium in Dambulla being adequately prepared to host multiple matches at short notice.
Conversely, Hambantota currently boasts the most favourable weather conditions in Sri Lanka. The ACC is carefully assessing the suitability of the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota to host the Asia Cup matches.
The ACC has a few more days to make a final decision, as the Colombo leg of the tournament is set to commence on September 9. The Sri Lankan board is determined not to let the event's fate be dictated by unpredictable weather.