The Super 4 matches of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 scheduled to be played at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo are reportedly set to be shifted to Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota due to persistent rain in Colombo.
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RPICS, Colombo was scheduled to host as many as five games in the Super 4 stage, as well as the final on September 17. The 1st round of the Asia Cup 2023 co-hosted by Sri Lanka and Pakistan, saw Multan, Pallekele and Lahore host Group A and Group B games.
Since Sunday, discussions have been on to move the matches out of Colombo with Pallekele, Hambanthota and Dambulla being considered as alternatives. However, with the India-Pakistan washout on Saturday (2) and the forecast for Pallekele also not inducing much confidence, Hambantota has emerged as the front-runner.
Among the venues being considered, Hambantota seems the safer option as it usually doesn’t receive much rainfall during September. Most recently, Hambantota also hosted two ODIs between Pakistan and Afghanistan on August 22 and 24.
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An official word on the venue change from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is expected to be received within the next 48 hours.
