Due to persistent heavy rain in Colombo, there is a likelihood that five out of the six Asia Cup 2023 Super 4s matches will be relocated. The Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium is being considered as an alternative venue for these five matches, scheduled to take place from September 9 to 15.
The inaugural Super 4s match is slated for September 6 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, featuring Pakistan, who have secured a spot in the tournament's next phase. Additionally, Lahore will play host to the final Group B match between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka on September 5.
Unfortunately, the weather outlook for the Super 4s matches originally planned for Colombo appears unfavorable. Despite not being in the midst of the typical monsoon season, Colombo has experienced consistent moderate to heavy rainfall in recent days, leading to flooding in certain areas.
Of note, a much-anticipated Super 4s clash between India and Pakistan is scheduled for September 10, initially planned for Colombo.
Hambantota, a venue for ODI matches since 2011, recently held the first two matches of a three-match ODI series between Pakistan and Afghanistan on August 22 and 24. The final match of the series, which Pakistan won 3-0, took place at the P Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
It's worth mentioning that the Asia Cup 2023 final is also scheduled to be held at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
The Asia Cup tournament has been impacted by inclement weather. Concerns arose when the high-profile Group A match between India and Pakistan was called off after India's batting innings due to steady rain, resulting in a no-result. India had posted a total of 266 runs in their allotted 50 overs, but Pakistan did not have an opportunity to chase due to rain disrupting play in Pallekele on September 2.
It's worth noting that the Asia Cup 2023 is being conducted in a hybrid format after the Asian Cricket Council allocated four matches to Pakistan as hosts and nine matches to Sri Lanka. The Indian cricket team declined to travel to Pakistan due to security concerns, prompting the Pakistan Cricket Board to agree to the hybrid model after extensive negotiations.
Thus far, matches in Pakistan have remained unaffected by rain, but the unseasonal downpour in Sri Lanka has raised concerns.
