Asia Cup 2022: Sri Lanka positive to host continental championship despite political unrest

Despite raging economic and political turmoil, reports coming out of Sri Lanka have suggested that the country remains positive for hosting the forthcoming Asia Cup 2022. The continental tournament, which is returning after a four-year absence, was scheduled to be hosted by Sri Lanka, however, massive protests against the government have since destabilised the island nation.

The political unrest have forced President Gotabaya Rajapaksha to appoint Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe as the acting President before fleeing the country. A few days ago, protesters stormed into the presidential palace in Colombo, which was in contention to become one of the venues of the Asia Cup 2022, forcing the President to flee.

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Reports have emerged that suggest that Bangladesh might be the replacement hosts for the Asia Cup 2022. However, no announcement has been made till now as the Asian Cricket Council is set to make one on Friday, July 15.

Sri Lanka recently hosted Australia and the Pakistani cricket team have arrived to the island nation to play two Test matches. Pointing out to the recently concluded matches against the Aussies, the secretary of Sri Lanka Cricket, Mohan de Silva, has suggested that the sport remain untouched from the unrest that is currently going on in the country.

The secretary has also pointed out that the visiting Pakistani team have already played a warm-up match in the country and have not been affected by the widespread protests. 

“As far as we are concerned, we are still very confident of hosting the tournament in Sri Lanka,” de Silva said to ESPNcricinfo. 

“We have just hosted the Australian tour with two Tests in Galle, and Pakistan are in the country as well,” he added. 

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De Silva also revealed that there has not been any pressure from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) to let go of the hosting rights. 

The Asia Cup 2022, which arrives after a four-year absence, will be the 15th edition of the tournament. The continental championship will begin on August 27 and continue till September 11. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka will be joined by the winner of the qualifications as the six participating nations in the tournament.