Asia Cup matches could also be moved from Colombo to Hambantota
The Asia Cup matches beforehand scheduled in Colombo could also be relocated to Hambantota, because the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) scrambles to cut back the chance of matches being impacted on account of rain. Hambantota sometimes receives considerably much less rainfall in September than Colombo and Pallekele, which is why there’s a push to maneuver the matches there.
However, there are logistical issues with transferring matches to this venue on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. As it’s situated basically in a jungle close to the small city of Sooriyawewa – a long way from any city centres – high-quality resorts are all at the very least a 45-minute drive away. Because the potential re-scheduling has come late, it’s unclear whether or not organisers can safe sufficient rooms for the 4 groups and assist workers, in addition to match officers, commentators, and broadcast crew.
An SLC official ESPNcricinfo spoke to on Monday, nonetheless, mentioned that logistics remained the one impediment to the again finish of the event being moved to Hambantota. According to PCB sources, Hambantota has been signed off on because the venue.
While Colombo has efficiently hosted limited-overs matches in September in the previous few years, the last few days have seen substantial rainfall within the metropolis, with flooding seen within the northern reaches of city, not removed from the Khettarama stadium. This rainfall, plus the washout of the Pakistan v India match in Pallekele, raised alarm among the many broadcasters and event organisers. Rain additionally impacted the India-Nepal fixture in Pallekele.
SLC officers mentioned they would like the matches to stay in Colombo, if solely to keep away from a logistical trouble. But they appear to choose the thought of transferring the video games to Hambantota, fairly than Dambulla, which is probably the driest venue within the nation. SLC officers declare it is because the floodlights in Dambulla aren’t enough to host the Asia Cup, although the venue hosted a day/evening ODI as not too long ago as 2018.
The Super Four matches impacted by the schedule change are scheduled for September 9, 10, 12 and 14, with the ultimate to be performed on September 15. Hambantota most not too long ago hosted two ODIs between Pakistan and Afghanistan on August 22 and 24.