Asia Cup Super 4 Matches Relocated to Hambantota Due to Weather Concerns
In a significant development, all Super 4 matches and the final of the Asia Cup, originally scheduled to be held in Colombo, will now take place in the coastal city of Hambantota. This decision comes in response to persistent adverse weather conditions in Sri Lanka.
According to a report by Cricbuzz, an official announcement from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) regarding this venue change is imminent.
The ACC’s decision to relocate the tournament has been influenced by the weather patterns in Hambantota, where precipitation levels are deemed more favorable compared to Colombo, the initial host city for the Super 4 stage.
The Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup includes a highly-anticipated India vs. Pakistan fixture, originally scheduled to be played at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday. However, the weather forecast for Colombo indicates a high likelihood of heavy to very heavy rainfall in the city until September 20.
Earlier, the India-Pakistan clash at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium had to be abandoned due to continuous rain.
While there were initial considerations of relocating the matches to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), this idea was ultimately discarded due to concerns about the players’ well-being. Playing in the extreme heat of the UAE, just three weeks before the World Cup, posed significant health risks for the athletes.
The relocation of the tournament presents considerable logistical challenges for the ACC. Nevertheless, the continental body has been diligently addressing these issues, considering that the next game in Sri Lanka is scheduled for September 9.
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