Rain Threat Forces Asia Cup Matches to Hambantota

Key Takeaways:

1. Asia Cup matches scheduled for Colombo may be moved to Hambantota due to concerns about heavy rain impacting games.
2. Hambantota, known for drier weather in September, is being considered as an alternative venue, but logistical challenges, such as limited nearby accommodations, are a concern.
3. Recent heavy rainfall in Colombo and match disruptions have prompted the need for a potential venue change.
4. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) officials prefer keeping the matches in Colombo but are leaning towards Hambantota over Dambulla, which lacks sufficient floodlights.
5. The affected Super Four matches are scheduled for September 9, 10, 12, and 14, with the final set for September 15. Further updates are expected regarding the venue change to ensure uninterrupted Asia Cup action.

In a bid to avoid potential rain disruptions, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is considering relocating Asia Cup matches originally slated for Colombo to Hambantota. Hambantota, known for its drier weather in September, may host four Super Four games and the tournament final. However, logistical hurdles, including limited nearby accommodations, are causing concerns.

The move comes after recent heavy rainfall in Colombo raised concerns about match disruptions. The decision is not final, but the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sources suggest that Hambantota is the likely venue.

Colombo has successfully hosted limited-overs matches in September in recent years. Still, recent flooding near the Khettarama stadium and the washout of the Pakistan-India match in Pallekele have made tournament organizers and broadcasters uneasy. Rain also affected the India-Nepal fixture in Pallekele.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) officials express a preference for keeping the matches in Colombo to avoid logistical complications. However, Hambantota seems to be the favoured alternative over Dambulla, which is one of the driest venues in the country. SLC officials argue that Dambulla lacks sufficient floodlights to host the Asia Cup, despite having hosted a day/night ODI as recently as 2018.

The Super Four matches impacted by the potential schedule change are scheduled for September 9, 10, 12, and 14, with the final set for September 15. Hambantota’s most recent hosting duties included two ODIs featuring Pakistan and Afghanistan, taking place on August 22 and 24. Stay tuned for updates on this crucial decision to ensure uninterrupted Asia Cup action.