The remaining matches of Asia Cup 2023 will stay in Colombo with a significant improvement in weather in the last couple of days. With the monsoon at its peak in Pallekele and Colombo and the forecast for the rest of the week not looking any good, it was speculated that the Super Fours and the final of the Asia Cup could be shifted out of Colombo, however, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has decided to keep the matches in the capital city itself.
As per a PTI report, the ACC held discussions with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and decided to stick with Colombo as far as hosting six Asia Cup matches was concerned. The other option available was Hambantota, but logistical issues and the unavailability of a hotel near the venue in the southern part of the island nation didn't make that a viable option.
Hambantota is one of the drier regions in the country as of now and has been experiencing drought which is why the SLC themselves suggested that option but relocating equipment at such short notice became too tall a task for the broadcaster to stay with and hence Colombo stays.
Team India has been on the receiving end of the Sri Lankan monsoon, unfortunately, with heavy rains as their first game against Pakistan was washed out and the second match against Nepal was affected so much so that their run-chase became a 23-over affair.
The forecast for their next game against Pakistan on Sunday, September 10 doesn't look good either with a 72 per cent probability of rain in Colombo and everyone hopes for the forecast to improve through the week given so much is at stake as far as that game is concerned. The first match of the Super Fours will be in Lahore between hosts Pakistan and Bangladesh, who finished second on the table in Group B.
