Sri Lanka has
been given time until July 27 to decide whether it would be able to host the
Asia Cup 2022 amid the economic crisis that sparked widespread protests across
the country, reported India Today. The Asia Cup, which is scheduled to be held
in the island nation, starts on August 27.

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Sri Lanka is
going through a torrid time. Rising inflation and shortage of essential
commodities and fuel made life harder in the country. The country does not have
a deep reserve of foreign currency. Protests have erupted against the
government with several former cricketers, including Arjuna Ranatunga and
Sanathan Jayasuirya joining the public rallies in the country.

According to an
Asian Cricket Council (ACC) source, the ACC officials are in constant touch
with Sri Lanka Cricket board members, who are still hopeful of hosting the Asia
Cup.

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“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 call but at the same time as per protocol they have been given a
deadline to decide on the same,” the source said.

If Sri Lanka
fails to host the tournament, the ACC will chart out a plan to move the
continental T20 tournament out of Sri Lanka. 

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Sri Lanka was
supposed to host the Asia Cup in 2020 but the tournament was postponed twice
due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pakistan has the hosting rights for the
continental showpiece in 2023.

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The Asia Cup
2022 is being considered a preparatory tournament for Asian countries in the
build-up to the T20 World Cup in Australia scheduled in October-November.

The last edition
of the Asia Cup was held in the UAE in 2018. India is the defending champions.