Asia Cup 2023 super four and final matches to remain in Colombo despite weather concerns
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Colombo: The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has decided to keep the Asia Cup Super Four and final matches in Colombo, Sri Lanka, as the weather in the capital city has shown signs of improvement.
Initially, there were speculations that these matches might be moved to Hambantota due to heavy rains in Colombo. However, the ACC held discussions with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and the official broadcaster before confirming the decision to keep the matches in Colombo.
The broadcaster cited difficulties in relocating their equipment and staff to Hambantota at such short notice as a reason for the decision. Interestingly, it was SLC that suggested Hambantota as an alternative venue, as the city has been experiencing a drought over the past few weeks.
The Super Four leg of the Asia Cup will kick off with a match between India and Pakistan on September 10 at the R Premadasa Stadium. This will mark the second encounter between the two teams in the Asia Cup. Their earlier league match was affected by rain, resulting in a draw.
The ACC briefly considered shifting the matches to Pallekele and Dambulla but eventually abandoned the idea. Pallekele has also been experiencing heavy rains, while the Rangiri International Stadium in Dambulla is undergoing maintenance to install new floodlights and other facilities.
India's group matches in the tournament were both affected by rain. The much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash in Kandy at the Pallekele stadium was called off due to heavy downpour, and India's match against Nepal was also cut short due to rain.