Ashraf contacts Shah, recommends shifting Asia Cup matches to Pakistan

Chairman of the Management Committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Zaka Ashraf, has suggested the possibility of relocating the Asia Cup 2023 matches to Pakistan due to concerns over adverse weather conditions in Sri Lanka. 

Ashraf’s proposal comes after a telephone conversation with Jay Shah, President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), where they discussed rain-affected matches involving Pakistan and India in Sri Lanka.

The PCB chairman’s stance is rooted in the uncertainty of the weather in Sri Lanka, prompting him to advocate for a comprehensive weather assessment in the coming days. 

As a solution, he proposed moving the Asia Cup matches to Pakistan, and specifically mentioned the Pakistan-India matches could be played in Dubai if needed.

Meanwhile, there is a possibility of relocating the Super 4 stage matches of the Asia Cup, originally planned for Colombo on September 9, to alternate venues such as Pallekele or Hambantota. 

According to the media reports by the Daily Mirror, ongoing discussions between the Asian Cricket Council and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have been confirmed by an SLC official.

“A decision will be taken tomorrow or the day after,” the official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said adding that Dambulla was not one of the venues being considered. 

Ashraf had previously emphasized the significance of the Asia Cup as a premier cricket tournament and stressed the need to prevent its disruption due to rain. 

Therefore, in the event of unfavorable weather conditions in Sri Lanka, he believes that serious consideration should be given to relocating the matches to Pakistan.

In response to Ashraf’s proposal, Jay Shah has conveyed his assurance in evaluating the situation.

It is woth noting that the Pakistan-India match in Kandy was significantly impacted by rain, resulting in no conclusive outcome. 

Nevertheless, the match scheduled for today between India and Nepal is also at risk of being washed out due to the adverse rainy conditions.