Asia Cup 2023: Super Four, final matches to stay in Colombo
The Hindu
ACC decides to keep Asia Cup Super 4 and final matches in Colombo despite heavy rains. SLC suggested Hambantota as alternate venue due to drought. India meets Pakistan on September 10 at R Premadasa Stadium. ACC considered Pallekele and Dambulla, but abandoned due to rains and maintenance.
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) on September 5 decided to keep the Asia Cup Super 4 and final matches in Colombo itself as the weather in the Sri Lankan capital has shown signs of improvement.
It has been speculated over the last few days that the Super 4 and final games of the Asia Cup could be shifted to Hambantota after heavy rains lashed Colombo.
The PTI has been informed that the ACC held parleys with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), hosts Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the official broadcaster before arriving at the decision to keep the matches in Colombo itself.
The broadcaster too has explained the difficulties to relocate their equipment and staff to Hambantota, a deep Southern district, at such a short notice.
In fact, it was SLC who suggested Hambantota as an alternate venue for the five Asia Cup Super 4 matches and the final as the city has been experiencing a drought over the last few weeks.
The Sri Lanka-leg of Super 4 will be started with a game between India and Pakistan on September 10 at the R Premadasa Stadium.
This will be the second time India will take on Pakistan in the Asia Cup.
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