Asia Cup to be shifted to UAE?
Although India was the host for this year’s edition of the six-team tournament, rights were granted to Sri Lanka on a request made by the local cricket association, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). But as the current situation could escalate by August, according to the Gov ernment, SLC prefers to play it in the UAE to avoid logistical challenges at home.
The Executive Committee which met this week opted to shift the tournament and their decision will be notified to Jay Shah, the President of the Asian Cricket Council, on the sidelines of the Indian Premier League final. A Sri Lankan delegation, including SLC president Shammi Silva is, currently in India at the invitation of BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) to attend the IPL final to be played tonight.
Even though the tournament is shifted, Sri Lanka will retain hosting rights, allowing SLC to generate an income close to US$ 5 million which includes around US$ 2.5 million as hosts rights fee and around US$ 2 million as a share of the revenue.
Hosting it in UAE looks economically feasible for Sri Lanka as the Emirates has a huge South Asian presence. This will help fill up stadiums, especially when South Asian rivals India take on Pakistan.
“Under the current circumstances, it’s much more feasible to have the tournament in UAE,” said an informed source from SLC.
“So the Ex-Co decided to shift it to UAE where the matches will be played in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah”.
The Asia Cup is scheduled from August 27 to September 11.
Sri Lanka has not hosted a multi-nation tournament since the 2012 World T20 Championship. The Asia Cup involves the five full members; Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. A qualifying round will be played prior to the tournament to select the remaining team.
Meanwhile, the series against Australia and Pakistan will go ahead as planned despite the crisis. Australian cricketers are due to arrive on Wednesday to play three T20 internationals, five ODIs and two Test matches. The Australian ‘A’ team tour is also planned at the same time. The ‘A’ team will feature in two limited-over and as many four-day games.
Pakistan, in the meantime, were to engage in a Test and ODI series but boards agreed to shelve the ODI leg as it does not count towards the Super League points.