Sri Lanka given ultimatum to make their stance clear on upcoming Asia Cup

Sri Lanka’s economic woes could see them lose the rights to hold the Asia Cup 2022, the country has been struggling due to the internal turmoil and cricket in the nation could come under the crossfire.

Owing to the crisis Sri Lanka is facing a shortage of fuel and essential commodities, and for the same protests are taking place throughout the country. Even former cricketers Arjun Ranatunga and Sanath Jayasuriya have openly showcased their dissent towards the Sri Lankan government.

The Asia Cup 2022 will see six Asian elites clash against each other to crown the Asian champions. Sri Lanka being the host country have received direct entry into the tournament; while India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan have already confirmed their berth amongst the six participating teams.

The last slot for the tournament will be determined by the qualifiers taking place in August 2022; which will see UAE, Kuwait, Hong Kong and Singapore lock horns against each other for the sixth spot.

While the tournament was originally supposed to be held in the traditional fifty over format, it was later shifted to the shortest format of the game, considering the Cricket World Cup that will take place in October 2022.

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has juxtaposed an ultimatum on Sri Lanka to decide on whether or not they will be able to host the Asia Cup, and only have till July 27 to give their confirmation. 

Questions are being raised as to whether Sri Lanka will lose its hosting rights over its indecision or incapability to host the tournament.

“As of now, it would be really tough to say whether they can host the Asia cup. What I know is they are hopeful and very positive about this issue. There is still time in hand to take the call but at the same time as per protocol they have been given a deadline to decide the same.” A source was quoted by India Today.

The original Asia Cup tournament was supposed to be held in 2020 in Sri Lanka, but owing to the COVID-19 surge and restrictions the T20 tournament was postponed to 2022.