Reports: Sri Lanka withdraws from hosting Asia Cup 2022 amid national crisis

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has reportedly confirmed that it is not in a position to host the upcoming Asia Cup 2022 due to the ongoing political and economic crisis in the country. SLC expressed its inability to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) regarding hosting the big event, scheduled to be played from August 27 to September 11.

Sri Lanka is going through its worst-ever economic crisis, and the last few months have witnessed countless protests against the ruling government by the masses of the country. Even eminent cricketers like Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara, and Mahela Jayawardene have come forward and raised their voices on the worrisome situation in the island nation.

Sri Lanka likely to consult UAE

“As per Sri Lankan media, the SLC informed the ACC about its decision, maintaining that it is ‘not in a position’ to organize the Asia Cup cricket tournament in the country due to the current political and economic situation of the country,” read a report as quoted by The Nation.

The report further adds, “A decision to hold the event in the United Arab Emirates hasn’t been finalised yet. The venue could, however, be any Asian country, including India. Sri Lanka will reportedly consult the UAE Cricket Board, requesting to provide a venue where it can host the event”.

The decision comes just days after the third edition of the highly-anticipated Lanka Premier League (LPL) was forced to be postponed due to the ongoing crisis in Sri Lanka. It was scheduled to take place from August 21.

With Sri Lanka pulling out at the last minute, it remains to be seen which venue will be finalised by the ACC to organise the tournament. Meanwhile, this year’s Asia Cup will be played in the T20 format as a dress rehearsal for the T20 World Cup down under in October-November. This will be the second time after 2016 that the tournament will be played in a 20-over format.