Asia Cup 2023: The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is planning to shift the Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 matches from Columbo to Dambulla due to heavy rain warnings in the coming days.
Notably, the Asia Cup 2023 marquee IND vs PAK match got washed out due to rain and further deterioration in the weather has been predicted in Colombo during the Super 4 matches, which start on September 6.
According to Indian Express, the teams have been informed about the situation in Sri Lanka’s capital and Pallekele and Dambulla are being looked at as alternate options.
The reports further stated that the Sri Lanka board had initially suggested Dambulla for Asia Cup matches, as it is a dry region in the central part of the country. However, the board was forced to change the venues to Pallekele and Colombo after hesitancy from the broadcasters and teams due to difficult travel logistics. Although the first Super 4 match in Colombo is still a week away, the weather forecast doesn’t seem very promising which has forced ACC to make changes.
Asia Cup 2023 Schedule – Revised
| Date | Venue | Match | Stage | Match Timing/Result |
| 6 Sep | Lahore | Pakistan vs Bangladesh | Super 4 | 3:00 PM IST (Pak win by 7 wickets) |
| 9 Sep | Colombo | Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh | Super 4 | 3:00 PM IST |
| 10 Sep | Colombo | India vs Pakistan | Super 4 | 3:00 PM IST |
| 11 Sep | Colombo | Reserve Day | (Ind won by 228 runs) | |
| 12 Sep | Colombo | India vs Sri Lanka | Super 4 | (India won by 41 runs) |
| 14 Sep | Colombo | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Super 4 | (Sri Lanka won by 2 wickets) |
| 15 Sep | Colombo | India vs Bangladesh | Super 4 | 3:00 PM IST |
| 17 Sep | Colombo | Final | 3:00 PM IST | |
| 18 Sep | Colombo | Reserve Day |
Lack of buzz concerns ACC
Another concern that the Jay Shah-led ACC is facing is the lack of buzz around the Asia Cup 2023. This was evident in IND vs PAK match as the biggest match of the continental event saw empty seats at the Pallekele International Stadium. The rain also played a villain in the match as the game was eventually called off due to heavy pouring. With the change in venue, ACC will be hoping to provide a full match to the fans which might lead to more buzz.
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