On Wednesday, Sri Lanka's hosting of the 2022 Asia Cup formally gave way to the UAE. The prestigious multi-nation competition, which will be held in middle-east Asia between August 27 and September 11, will still be hosted by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), nonetheless.
Due to the increasing political unrest in the island nation, it was decided to relocate the tournament.
Asian Cricket Council (ACC) statement: "The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is anxiously looking forward to executing its much-anticipated Asia Cup event from August 27th to September 11th, 2022, as scheduled."
The statement continued, "However, taking into account the current circumstances in Sri Lanka, the ACC has unanimously decided that it would be appropriate to shift the competition from Sri Lanka to the UAE.
When it comes to food and fuel supply, Sri Lanka is currently experiencing one of its greatest crises. Although the nation has managed to hold bilateral cricket matches between Australia and Pakistan, hosting the Asia Cup amid the country's economic difficulties was regarded as a difficult assignment.
The Asia Cup was originally scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka, and according to BCCi secretary and ACC President Jay Shah, the decision to move the location to the UAE was made after careful consideration.
"All efforts were made to hold the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka, and only after much thought was it decided to change the location to the UAE. While Sri Lanka will continue to hold the hosting rights, the UAE will serve as the new location. I thank the SLC and the Emirates Cricket Board for their understanding and cooperation as we prepare for this year's crucial Asia Cup, which will boost Asian nations in their preparations for the ICC World Cup "Shah added.
Prior to the T20 World Cup in Australia, the six-team Asia Cup will use the T20 format. The previous iteration of the competition, which took place in the ODI format in 2018, was also held in the UAE and was won by India.
SLC President Shammi Silva remarked, "We were greatly looking forward to welcoming our Asian neighbours in Sri Lanka for the much-anticipated Asia Cup."
"While I fully support the ACC's decision to relocate the Asia Cup to the UAE considering the current context and significance of the event," he continued, "Sri Lanka Cricket will work closely with the ACC and the Emirates Cricket Board to ensure that we still have an exciting edition of the Asia Cup."