There is a lot of controversy surrounding the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 due to the schedule of the matches. It was originally hosted by Pakistan, but most of the matches will take place in Sri Lanka. Pakistan is given only four matches. The reason for this is the ego of India and Mr. Jay Shah, the chairman of ACC and secretary of BCCI.
Except for one match that will be played in Lahore, the second phase of the tournament will be held in Colombo. Due to bad weather conditions in Sri Lanka, it may be possible for the ACC to change the venue of all matches, which will be played in Colombo, and relocate them to another venue
Why is need to change the venue of Asia Cup 2023?
The upcoming forecast in Colombo is not conducive to cricket, with an 80 to 100% chance of rain, which may result in game washouts. This is why the PCB wishes to change the venue and has requested the ACC to change the venue of the remaining matches.
However, the President of the Asian Cricket Council, Jay Shah, is unilaterally making decisions regarding the Asia Cup. He is considering the preferences of the Indian Cricket Team, including issues related to hotels and security, while fully neglecting the rights of the other five nations involved, including the hosts, Pakistan.
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Is ACC to change the venue of Asia Cup 2023?
Indeed, there is a possibility that the ACC to change the venue for the remaining matches of the Asia Cup 2023 due to concerns about rain impacting the games.
Discussions have taken place involving officials from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the Asia Cricket Council (ACC). Hambantota was being considered as an alternative venue to Colombo because of the rain threat however, the action remains at the same venue.
Zaka Ashraf’s statement about the venue changing
According to the sources, PCB chairman Mr Zaka Ashraf approached the ACC president after the Pakistan versus India blockbuster was washed out on Saturday due to heavy showers in Pallekelle.
Additionally, the Super 4 phase of the tournament will take place in Colombo, which is suffering from urban flooding due to recent rainfall.
He informed Jay Shah that the country could see more rain, which could disrupt the matches, while Pakistan is clear and there are no rain chances.
“Asia Cup is a major tournament and it should not be affected due to weather conditions,” said the ACC president, who is also the Indian cricket board secretary.
“Let’s discuss the situation,” Shah responded to the proposal.
Current Situation of this matter
All cricket boards were notified about the change of venue through an email, according to sources. According to this email, Colombo leg matches will be played in Hambantota. Then, after a few hours, another email was sent, stating that the venue in Colombo would remain the same as before without consulting the PCB. The Pakistan Cricket Board is very angry about this decision.
The matches will now take place in Colombo. Additionally, the PCB sent a letter protesting the decision-making process to ACC President Jay Shah, calling for an immediate ACC executive board meeting.
There is an 80-100% chance of rain every day in Colombo in the coming week, and the India-Pakistan match on Sunday is expected to be another washout. PCB kept requesting, but Jay Shah has not changed the schedule of Asia Cup 2023.
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