The Asia Cup is “likely” to be moved out from Sri Lanka due to political unrest in the island nation, SLC secretary Mohan de Silva said on Sunday. He also said that the tournament could be played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The Asia Cup 2022 was supposed to be held but political unrest in the country forced the ACC (Asian Cricket Council) to conduct the tournament elsewhere.
According to a report, talks have taken place between the ACC and the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) regarding the hosting of the Asia Cup 2022 and the event is now likely to be held in the UAE.
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However, it is expected that the dates of the six-team tournament will remain the same as earlier scheduled from August 26 to September 11.
A qualifier will also be held before the main event where Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates will fight for a place.
Asia Cup 2022 event will be held between a total of 6 teams. India, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh will be the five full-member teams that will directly participate in the Asia Cup 2022 event.
A qualifier will also be held before the main event where Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates will battle it out for one remaining spot.
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Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Cricket Board is still confident of successfully hosting the six-team event despite the intense turmoil in the economic and political spheres.
At the same time, the UAE has emerged as a frontrunner to host the Asia Cup 2022 if the ACC decides to move the tournament away from the island nation.
Currently, Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka is well over and Pakistan is currently playing Test cricket in Sri Lanka, so the Sri Lanka Cricket Board is hopeful that it will be able to host the continental event.
For the Asian teams, the tournament will be a useful preparation for the T20 World Cup to be held in Australia in October-November. BCCI secretary Jai Shah is in charge of ACC. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is expected to make an official statement regarding the tournament’s location soon.
Also Read: Asia Cup 2022 Schedule, Team List, Venue, Fixtures, Points Table, Time Table
