Asia Cup 2023: ACC’s decision to change the venue of all the matches of Asia Cup Super-4 stage
Asia Cup 2023: The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) on Tuesday, putting an end to all the speculations, announced that the Asia Cup Super-4 stage and the final matches will be held in Colombo only. The decision to shift the matches to another venue was postponed after the weather in Colombo showed signs of improvement.
Heavy rain in Colombo since last few days :-
After heavy rains in Colombo for the past few days, there was a plan to hold these matches in Hambantota, but the Indian team did not want to play there. The ACC held talks with the Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC); Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the official broadcaster before deciding to move the matches to Colombo.
Venue of 5 matches of Asia Cup will be changed :-
The broadcaster has also cited difficulties in relocating its equipment and staff to the remote southern district of Hambantota at such a short notice. SLC had named Hambantota as the alternate venue for the final and five matches of the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup as there has been no rain in the last few weeks.
Renovation work going on in the stadium :-
The ACC also briefly considered the suggestion of shifting the ties to Pallekele or Hambantota. But later decided against doing so. It is also raining in Pallekele, while renovation work is underway at the Rangiri International Stadium in Dambulla. Apart from installing new floodlights, work is being done on other facilities. Both India’s group matches have been affected by rain.
