SLC Not To Host The Asia Cup 2022 Due To Political Tensions

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLCSLC) is said to have confirmed that the country is not ready to host the Asia Cup in 2022 because of the ongoing political and economic crisis. SLC told the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) that it couldn’t host the big event, which was supposed to happen from August 27 to September 11.

Sri Lanka is going through its worst economic crisis ever, and the people of the country have been protesting against the government a lot in the last few months. Even well-known cricket players like Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara, and Mahela Jayawardene have spoken out about what’s going on in the island nation.

The tournament may get shifted to UAE

“According to Sri Lankan media, the SLC told the ACC about its decision, saying that it is “not in a position” to host the Asia Cup cricket tournament in the country because of its current political and economic situation,” The Nation said, citing a report.

The report also says, “It hasn’t been decided for sure that the event will take place in the United Arab Emirates. The place could be in India or any other Asian country. Sri Lanka will reportedly talk to the UAE Cricket Board and ask for a place where the event can be held.”

The decision comes just a few days after the much-anticipated third season of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) had to be put off because of the ongoing conflict in Sri Lanka. It was planned to start on August 21.

Since Sri Lanka pulled out at the last minute, the ACC still hasn’t decided where the tournament will be held. The T20 format will be used for this year’s Asia Cup as a dress rehearsal for the T20 World Cup in Australia in October and November. The tournament will be played in a 20-over format for the second time after 2016.