Zaka Ashraf, the Chairman of the Management Committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has recommended the prospect of shifting the Asia Cup 2023 matches to Pakistan due to worries over unfavorable weather conditions in Sri Lanka.
Ashraf’s suggestion comes after a telephone discussion with Jay Shah, President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), where they concerned rain-affected games involving Pakistan and India in Sri Lanka.
The PCB chairman’s view is entrenched in the anticipation of the weather in Sri Lanka, provoking him to advocate for a wide weather inspection in the coming days.
As a solution, he suggested moving the Asia Cup games to Pakistan and especially cited the Pakistan-India matches could be played in Dubai if required.
Meanwhile, there is a chance of shifting the Super 4 stage games of the Asia Cup, originally scheduled for Colombo on September 9, to alternate venues such as Pallekele or Hambantota.
According to the media reports, continued talks between the Asian Cricket Council and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have been confirmed by an SLC official.
A decision will be taken tomorrow or the day after, the official said, adding that Dambulla was not one of the venues being considered.
Ashraf had previously highlighted the importance of the Asia Cup as a premier cricket tournament and emphasized the necessity to stop its disruption due to rain.
Therefore, in the circumstance of adverse weather conditions in Sri Lanka, he thinks that deep consideration should be given to shifting the remaining matches to Pakistan.
In reply to Ashraf’s suggestion, Jay Shah has expressed his assurance in considering the situation.
It is worth noting that the Pakistan-India contest in Kandy was significantly impacted by rain, which resulted in no result.
Nevertheless, the game planned for today between India and Nepal is also at risk of being washed out due to the unfavorable rainy conditions.
