(Cricket News) The Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup, originally planned for Colombo, is now likely to shift to Hambantota due to adverse weather conditions in the Sri Lankan capital. An official announcement from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is expected later today, with Sri Lanka Cricket proposing Hambantota, located on the southeast corner of the island, as a suitable alternative venue to ensure the tournament proceeds smoothly.

The Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup, featuring an India vs. Pakistan clash, was initially scheduled at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium on Sunday. However, heavy rainfall in Colombo over the weekend and Monday has prompted the ACC to explore alternative venues to minimize the impact of rain on the matches. So far, during the Sri Lanka leg, an India vs. Pakistan match at Pallekele on Saturday was washed out, and on Monday, India defeated Nepal in a rain-affected contest by 10 wickets.

Since Sunday, discussions have been underway to relocate the Asia Cup matches from Colombo, with Pallekele and Dambulla also under consideration. However, the uncertain weather forecast for Pallekele and the Rangiri Stadium in Dambulla being under maintenance have made Hambantota a more viable option. Among the venues being considered, Hambantota is seen as the safer choice for September, as it typically experiences less rainfall during this period. 

One of the primary concerns revolves around securing enough hotel rooms for the four participating teams, the broadcast crew, including commentators, and the match officials. Sri Lanka Cricket is still interested in keeping the Super 4 stage in Colombo, hopeful that the weather conditions will improve over the week. However, they are aware of the logistical challenges that may arise when relocating the event to Hambantota. As of Monday night, the Indian team was preparing to depart for Colombo on Tuesday afternoon, where they would be based for the next few days.

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