Sri Lanka is currently reeling under the economic crisis and violent protests across the country against the people responsible. It has been around two months since the crisis with people standing in long queues for basic necessities. Meanwhile, the country is currently set to be the host for the Asia Cup 2022 later this year. However, it is highly unlikely that the tournament will take place in the country given the current situation.
On the other hand, reports have emerged that Sri Lanka cricket is keen to host the tournament this year. For the unversed, the schedule says that the tournament will start on August 24 and conclude on September 7. The reason for the SLCs keenness to host the tournament is its postponement two times already. The 13th edition was supposed to be hosted by Sri Lanka in 2020 but the COVID19 pandemic didn’t let that happen.
It was pushed to 2021 only to be pushed again for this year due to the deadly disease. The reports say that they have received consent from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for other dates. The tournament will be played among six teams such as India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and one of the qualifiers will play each other in the 20-over tournament.
“If Asia Cup goes ahead on the new dates of August 24 and ends on September 7, it would be perfect dates from Pakistan’s perspective as the team will be back home well in time for the start of the T20 series against England,” the source added.
However, another contradicting report has emerged that the SLC is having a conversation with Asian Cricket Council (ACC) to move the tournament to another country. The reports says that the board will convey the request to the ACC president and BCCI secretary Jay Shah. The last edition was played in the UAE with India being the hosts. At that time, tournament was shifted in the middle east country due to security situation for Pakistan team in India.
