The Asia Cup is likely to be moved out of Sri Lanka in the wake of the recent political unrest in the island nation, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) secretary Mohan de Silva said on Sunday, adding that the tournament could be played in the UAE instead.
Sri Lanka has been battling an economic crisis and has witnessed widespread protests against the government for weeks.
“It is very likely that the Asia Cup will be held in the UAE,” De Silva said.
The dates for the six-team tournament are expected to remain the same as scheduled — from August 26 to September 11.
A qualifier will also take place before the main event with Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuwait and the UAE battling out for the one qualification spot.
Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, India and Bangladesh will be the five full-member teams.
An official announcement from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), headed by Jay Shah, on the matter is expected soon.
The Pakistan Cricket Board, however, is optimistic that the tournament will be hosted by Lanka as earlier scheduled.
Bangladesh sweep ODI series vs WI
Litton Das. File picture
Calcutta: Bangladesh finished their tour of the West Indies on a high, sweeping the ODI series. The visitors won the third match in Providence by four wickets on Saturday.
This, for the record, was Bangladesh’s 11th consecutive ODI win against the Windies.
The Tamim Iqbal-led side first restricted the hosts to 178 and then chased down the target with 9 balls remaining in the game.
The West Indies attack was depleted as all-rounder Keemo Paul pulled a hamstring and didn’t bowl and then part-timer Rovman Powell suffered a side strain and could bowl only 11 balls.
Captain Tamim got 34 while Litton Das top-scored with a 50 off 65 balls.
Spinner Gudakesh Motie-Kanhai (4/23) had a good game for the Windies.
Earlier, Bangladesh made one change to their XI, bringing in spinner Taijul Islam in place of pacer Shoriful Islam and the former responded by taking 5/28.
Brief scores: West Indies 178 in 48.4 ovs (Nicholas Pooran 73; Taijul Islam 5/23). Bangladesh 179/6 in 48.3 ovs (Litton Das 50; Gudakesh Motie-Kanhai 4/23). Bangladesh won by 4 wickets.
