Asia Cup: Hambantota looks set to host Super 4 Stage | Cricket News

The Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup set to be held in Colombo is heading towards Hambantota because of bad weather conditions in Sri Lanka’s capital city. An official confirmation from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is expected later in the day with Sri Lanka Cricket putting forth Hambantota, which is situated on the south east corner of the island, as an ideal venue to take the tournament forward.
The Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup which will feature an India vs Pakan fixture is scheduled to be held at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday. But over the weekend and Monday, Colombo has been witnessing heavy rainfall, which has prompted the ACC to explore other options to reduce matches being affected rain. So far in the Sri Lanka leg, an India vs Pakan fixture at Pallekele on Saturday was washed out and on Monday Rohit Sharma’s team prevailed over Nepal in a rain-curtailed contest 10 wickets.
Since Sunday discussions have been on to move the matches out of Colombo with Pallekele and Dambulla too being considered. But with forecast for Pallekele also not inducing much confidence and the Rangiri Stadium in Dambulla under maintenance, Hambantota has emerged as the alternative. Among the venues being considered, Hambantota seems the safer option as it usually doesn’t receive much rainfall during September.Most Read
1
India vs Nepal Highlights, Asia Cup 2023: IND into the Super 4 with 10 wicket win, fifties from Gill and Rohit

2
Sarah Ferguson says breast cancer diagnosis and mastectomy freed her from Princess Diana comparisons

See More

The Indian Express understands that the ACC is sorting out the logic issues in Hambantota, where the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadiumin Sooriyawewa is situated near the jungle and the closest team hotel is 45 km away. As things stand, one of the main concerns revolves around getting enough hotel rooms for the four teams, broadcast crew that includes the commentators and the match officials.
The SLC is still keen on keeping the Super 4 stage in Colombo as it believes the forecast would improve over the week and it is also aware of the logical nightmare that lies ahead when the event moves to Hambantota.
As of Monday night, the Indian team is set to leave for Colombo on Tuesday afternoon where it will be stationed for the next couple of days.