Reports: Asia Cup 2022 to start from August 24 in Sri Lanka

The Sri Lanka cricket board wants to start the Asia Cup on the changed dates of August 24 to September 7, 2022 and has asked participating countries for their consent. It may be noted that the 18th edition of the Asia Cup has already been postponed twice and is now expected to start on August 24 in Sri Lanka.

A total of six teams including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, hosts Sri Lanka, and one of the qualifiers will compete against each other, with the final match to be played on September 7. Asia Cup usually alternates between ODI and T20 cricket formats and was last played in 2018, with India winning that edition.

Covid-19 pandemic had forced the postponement of the 2020 edition

The 2020 edition of the Asia Cup was to be hosted by Sri Lanka. However, the Covid-19 pandemic ruined everyone’s plans and the competition was first pushed to 2021, before being moved again to 2022. With the Sri Lanka board wanting to start the Asia Cup on August 24, it has received support from Pakistan.

“Adjustments in the dates are made following a request received by the SL Board from a couple of participating teams including Pakistan on the possible clash of international fixtures. Pakistan is to host England for seven T20 Internationals in the latter part of September” a source told The News.

“If Asia Cup goes ahead on the new dates of August 24 and ends on September 7, it would be perfect dates from Pakistan’s perspective as the team will be back home well in time for the start of the T20 series against England,” the source added.

To note, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has the hosting rights for the 2023 Asia Cup and a total of six teams will participate in the next edition as well. Meanwhile, the Men in Green have a packed schedule till the 2022 T20 World Cup as they will play against West Indies, Netherlands, and England as well.