Doubts increase over Australia tour and Asia Cup as crisis in Sri Lanka deepens

The emergency situation in Sri Lanka continues to deepen and the time is running out for its cricket board to host any bilateral series in the country. Australia’s tour to the island nation is coming closer with every passing day while the Asia Cup is also set to commence in Sri Lanka in the last week of August. However, doubts are increasing more than ever on both the series happening as expected. Having said that, both SLC and Cricket Australia (CA) keep on maintaining their stance over the tour going ahead as planned.

Meanwhile, the fate of the Asia Cup is likely to be decided by the end of May month. The increasing violence and disturbances in Sri Lanka have more or less put the end to the chances of them hosting the tournament. The sources in the BCCI also informed that the BCCI Secretary and the President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), Jay Shah called up SLC president Shammi Silva and CEO Ashley de Silva after the violence broke out in Sri Lanka a few days ago.

The source also stated that the SLC officials might fly down to Ahmedabad for the IPL final when the decision on the Asia Cup might be taken. “There is also a likelihood of the SLC officials flying down to India for the IPL final this month-end. A clear picture will emerge by then when a call is expected to be taken with finality,” the BCCI source said while speaking to Cricbuzz.

Cricket Australia briefs players on the situation in Sri Lanka

Meanwhile, Cricket Australia is in touch with the government for now and seeking advice particularly from Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) which has issued a travel advisory against Sri Lanka. The Australian team is scheduled to arrive in the island nation in three weeks to play three T20Is, five ODIs, and two Test matches.

“We are keeping a close eye on developments in Sri Lanka and talking regularly with DFAT and the SLC. Our players and support staff have been briefed and will continue to be kept up to date. There are three weeks until the scheduled departure of the squad and at this stage there are no changes to the schedule,” a CA spokesperson said.