‘Chalo late hi aqal aayi’ – Fans react as 2023 Asia Cup’s ‘Super 4’ clashes reportedly to get shifted from Colombo due to heavy rain

The 16th edition of the Asia Cup is going on as six teams are fighting to win the trophy. On 2 September 2023, India locked horns with Pakistan in Pallekele. But, after India’s innings, further play got called off due to heavy innings. Even, during India’s batting, several stops occurred due to rain.  

Now, on 4 September, the Men in Blue will take on Nepal in Pallekele. But, reports are already there that rain might play spoilsport once again. This time, this tournament is happening based on the hybrid model, proposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board. Among 13 matches, four were scheduled to take place in Pakistan and nine matches are scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka.

A total of 5 ‘Super 4’ matches to take place in Colombo 

Till 3 September 2023, both Pakistan and Lanka have hosted two matches each. Still, these two countries will host one match each in the group stage. Then, during the ‘Super 4’ stage, only one match is scheduled to take place in Pakistan and the rest of the five matches will take place in Colombo, Sri Lanka. But, due to heavy rain, those matches can reportedly be shifted to Pallekele or Dambulla. As per quotes by the Indian Express, a  final decision might be taken in the coming two days. The final of the tournament is also scheduled to take place in Colombo on 17 September. 

However, after the India vs Pakistan clash got called off, the former PCB Chairman, Najam Sethi slammed ACC for conducting the tournament this time of the year in Sri Lanka over the UAE. He tweeted: “How disappointing! Rain mars the greatest contest in cricket. But this was forecast. As PCB Chair, I urged the ACC to play in 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 Sep 2022 or when IPL was played there in April 2014 and Sep 2020. Politics over sport. Unforgivable!”        

Here is how fans have reacted:

https://twitter.com/aditisinghSA/status/1698330562354975036

https://twitter.com/TasneemKhatai1/status/1698311473293066374

https://twitter.com/kssnagarju_26/status/1698311445719716139