Colombo, Sri Lanka – The Asia Cup 2023’s Super 4 matches, slated to be held in Colombo, are facing a cloud of uncertainty as meteorologists predict heavy rainfall for the next 15 days in the Sri Lankan capital.
This looming weather threat has already overshadowed the high-stakes cricket tournament, as a recent Pakistan-India clash ended in a washout. As people were excited to watch India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2023 in Canada, but the match finished with disappointment.
In a surprising move, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has decided to stick with the original schedule and venue for the Super 4 matches despite being fully aware of the impending weather disruptions.
As the cricketing world anxiously watches the skies, the prospect of multiple washed-out matches raises questions about the tournament’s future. Notably, Pakistan, following their resounding victory over Bangladesh, sits atop the Super 4 table with four points.
In the event of matches being abandoned due to rain, Sri Lanka and India would be left with three points each, and their net run rates would also stand equal. In such a scenario, an unprecedented coin toss would determine which team advances to the showdown.
Bangladesh, having already suffered one defeat in the Super Four stage, would find themselves with only two points, effectively ruling them out of contention for the final.
Remaining Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 matches:
- Sept 9 — Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh in Colombo at 2:30pm (PST)
- Sept 10 — Pakistan vs India in Colombo at 2:30pm (PST)
- Sept 12 — India vs Sri Lanka in Colombo at 2:30pm (PST)
- Sept 14 — Pakistan vs Sri Lanka in Colombo at 2:30pm (PST)
- Sept 15 — India vs Bangladesh in Colombo at 2:30pm (PST)
- Sept 17 — Final in Colombo at 2:30pm (PST)
This last-minute decision to keep the Super 4 matches in Colombo has sparked controversy, especially since it contradicts the ACC’s initial move to shift the matches to Hambantota in anticipation of adverse weather conditions.
ACC President Jay Shah’s involvement in these sudden changes has raised eyebrows, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed dissatisfaction, calling for an urgent meeting to address the logistical issues arising from this decision.
In an already tumultuous tournament, Shah’s role in altering the ICC World Cup 2023 schedule and now the Asia Cup 2023 venue changes have drawn criticism from various quarters within the cricketing community. The outcome of the Asia Cup 2023 hangs precariously in the balance, awaiting the unpredictable whims of the weather and the decisions made by cricket’s governing bodies.
For a more accurate understanding, watch Asia Cup 2023 in Canada and check out how the matches fall for the teams.
Jane Davies
