Bangladesh in line to host the Asia Cup amidst political turmoil in Sri Lanka - Reports

Sri Lanka has been entangled in economic and political crises for a long time, and it seems that the situation isn't improving. 

However, they were chosen as the hosts for this year's Asia Cup after Sri Lankan Cricket showed its eagerness to host the tournament. 

That said, the economic and political unrest in the country has made it difficult for ACC to stick with Sri Lanka as the host nation; therefore, Bangladesh have been put on standby to host the Asia Cup, which is slated to begin in August.  

A total of six countries will be participating in the Asia Cup this year, with five spots already being taken by Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and probable hosts, Bangladesh. UAE, Kuwait, Singapore, and Hong Kong will fight for the final place in the mega event.

The four countries will participate in a qualifier competition to book their place in the tournament. The Asia Cup will significantly boost those countries who will go on to play the T20 World Cup in Australia this year. 

Sri Lanka recently hosted the Australian men's team for a multi-format series that included three T20 Internationals, five ODIs and two Tests. 

While the visiting Aussies defeated the Lankan lions in the T20 series by 2-1, the hosts bounced back to win the ODI series 3-2. The two-Test match series, however, ended in a stalemate (1-1). 

On the other hand, the women's team lost both the T20I series (2-1) and the ODI series (3-0) to a strong Indian line-up.  

It is reported that the ACC will arrive at a final decision regarding the host country later this month. As per Indian Express, the ACC does not want to take any risk in this matter and will look to keep things safe if the situation in Sri Lanka worsens. 

The country's leaders recently expressed their willingness to quit after Sri Lankan residents broke into the President's home and set the Prime Minister's house on fire. 

In a shocking turn of events, when the protestors scaled the Galle fort during the recently concluded Test match between Sri Lanka and Australia to denounce President Gotabaya Rajapaksa for the mismanagement and the poor state of the nation's economy and call for his resignation, they were very close to reaching the playing field at the Galle stadium.