‘Bhai bass barish naa ho’ – Fans react as Super Four matches of Asia Cup 2023 get shifted to Hambantota

Due to concerns over rain affecting matches in Sri Lanka, there are discussions about relocating the Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 and Final matches from Colombo to Pallekele. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is in talks with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the tournament hosts, to explore this venue change possibility. On Monday, September 4, the decision, reportedly, is to shift these games from Colombo to Hambantota.

Pallekele is presently hosting the Asia Cup league matches, but it faces a higher risk of rain. Dambulla, located about 70 kilometres away, has a more favourable weather forecast with lower chances of rainfall. However, there are concerns within SLC about the readiness of the Rangiri International Cricket Stadium in Dambulla to host multiple matches on short notice.

‘How disappointing! Rain mars the greatest contest in cricket.’ – Najam Sethi

On the other hand, Hambantota currently enjoys the most favorable weather conditions in Sri Lanka. The ACC carefully evaluated the suitability of the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota to host the Asia Cup matches. The Super Four stage of the tournament is scheduled to begin on September 9. The Sri Lankan board is resolute in ensuring that the fate of the event is not determined by unpredictable weather conditions.

PCB Chairman Najam Sethi also gave his verdict on Twitter. “How disappointing! Rain mars the greatest contest in cricket. But this was forecast. As PCB Chair, I urged the ACC to play in the UAE, but poor excuses were made to accommodate Sri Lanka. Too hot in Dubai, they said. But it was as hot when the Asia Cup was played there last time in September 2022 or when the IPL was played there in April 2014 and September 2020. Politics over sport Unforgivable!” said the PCB chairman in a tweet. Notably. Pakistan have already qualified for the Super Four stages of the Asia Cup 2023 following their win in the game against Nepal. However, their second group stage game against India had to be called off due to rain.

Here’s how fans reacted:

https://twitter.com/agonyofsameer/status/1698718075774963718

https://twitter.com/_mad_maaxx/status/1698717997136064810