2022 Asian Cup venue to be moved to United Arab Emirates amid Sri Lanka crisis
Considering the political unpredictability in Sri Lanka and the most recent developments, the future of the Asian Cup seems to be changing day by day. There are strong signs that the United Arab Emirates could host the six-team continental tournament instead of the island nation.
There have been attempts to move the 16-day event, according to information gathered from various member boards of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
There may have been discussions between the ACC and the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) in the United Arab Emirates. SLC is kept informed and it is expected that the championship will take place from August 26th to September 11th on the dates previously announced.
When Lanka’s board decided to host the SLC two weeks ago under government duress, the situation was different from what it is today. But since last week, when the country’s president fled and a new one was elected, things have changed dramatically. Violent rallies against the political elite have sent the nation into turmoil.
“In such a case, it is felt that hosting the championship is not appropriate,” an ACC member told Cricbuzz on Saturday (July 16th).
‘Our first preference is to support Sri Lanka and play the Asian Cup there’: PCB
On Saturday morning, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued a statement which appeared to suggest a different scenario. “Sri Lanka is our first preference to support and host the Asian Cup. It would be a major sporting and economic loss for Sri Lanka if this competition did not take place there. went off without a hitch.
“The ongoing Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka has also gone off without a hitch as we are in close contact with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and our Embassy there. Our conversations with ACC representatives indicated that the competition is currently on the right track as they are watching the matter closely, and we will support their choice”said PCB CEO Faisal Hasnain.
The Asian Cup will take place from August 27 to September 11.
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