The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) faced a crucial decision regarding the fate of the Asia Cup Super 4 and final matches
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) faced a crucial decision regarding the fate of the Asia Cup Super 4 and final matches. Initially scheduled to be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, there have been growing concerns about the unpredictable weather conditions in the capital city. Heavy rains in recent days had raised speculations that the matches might need to be relocated to Hambantota.
After extensive discussions involving the ACC, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and the official broadcaster, a consensus was reached. The primary factor that influenced this decision was the broadcaster's logistical challenges in moving their equipment and staff to Hambantota on such short notice.
Interestingly, it was Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) that had initially proposed Hambantota as an alternative venue for the Asia Cup Super 4 matches and the final. This suggestion stemmed from the fact that Hambantota had been experiencing a prolonged drought in the weeks leading up to the decision, making it a more viable option for hosting the matches.
The Sri Lanka leg of the Super 4 was scheduled to kick off with a highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan on September 10, to be held at the R Premadasa Stadium. This encounter marked the second time in the tournament that India would face Pakistan. Their previous league match had been marred by rain, with India managing to score 266 all out, thanks to impressive fifties from Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya.
Throughout the decision-making process, the ACC briefly considered alternative venues such as Pallekele and Dambulla but eventually abandoned these options. Pallekele was also experiencing heavy rains, while the Rangiri International Stadium in Dambulla was undergoing maintenance to install new floodlights and upgrade various facilities.
India's journey in the tournament had been notably affected by the unpredictable weather. The much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash at the Pallekele stadium in Kandy had to be called off after just one innings due to heavy downpours on a fateful Saturday. Additionally, India's match against Nepal on Monday was also affected by rain and had to be truncated.
The weather had certainly added an unexpected twist to the Asia Cup Super 4 matches, leaving cricket fans eagerly anticipating the action in Colombo as the ACC's decision stood.
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 "Weather woes in Colombo: ACC's critical decision on Asia Cup super 4 venue")
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