The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is fast emerging as the major candidate to host the upcoming edition of the Asia Cup, given the economic mess that original hosts Sri Lanka finds themselves in.
According to a report published in 'The Island', Sri Lankan Cricket (SLC) has revealed that their Indian counters, the BCCI, have raised concerns about its ability to host the multi-nation event given the social and financial unrest in the country.
Sri Lanka is facing its worst financial crisis since independence. As a result, the county has run out of essential commodities, and people have taken over the streets to stage their protests against the ruling Rajapaksa government.
"BCCI has raised concerns about civil unrest in the country, and if the tournament is interrupted, we will lose a sum to the tune of US$ six million. However, we indicated that protests around the country against the government have been peaceful. Nevertheless, we are keeping our fingers crossed, said an SLC official to The Island.
Pakistan were originally supposed to host the forthcoming edition in 2020. But, it had to be postponed twice due to the pandemic, with the PCB eventually swapping hosting rights with Lanka. They will host the 2023 event, which will take place in the ODI format.
Sri Lanka is scheduled to host the T20 version of the event between August 27-September 11. However, BCCI secretary Jay Shah said that a final decision on the host venue would be taken after the IPL final.
"I had a detailed discussion with the officials of Sri Lanka Cricket on the situation in the country and its impact on cricket. He told ANI that Sri Lanka Cricket is hopeful of delivering a safe and successful Men's Asia Cup.
'The office-bearers of SLC will be hosted at IPL 2022 final on May 29, and we will further assess the situation," the Asian Cricket Council chairman said.
Sri Lanka's loss is likely to be UAE's gain. The Emirates nation has been the biggest beneficiary since the pandemic. Apart from hosting the entire 13th and second half of the 14th season of the IPL, it also played host to the T20 World Cup last October.
A final decision on the same is likely at the end of May or early June.