The Asia Cup T20 tournament, scheduled to begin in June, has been called off due to the worsening COVID-19 crisis in the host country Sri Lanka.
The event had already been held over from last year in Pakistan due to the pandemic.
“Due to the prevailing situation, it will not be possible to play the tournament in June this year,” Sri Lanka Cricket chief executive Ashley de Silva said.
In all likelihood, the event might be postponed till 2023 and be held after the 50-over World Cup in 2023 since most teams have packed schedules until then and a window for Asia Cup is almost impossible.
The Asian Cricket Council, presided by Jay Shah, would roll out a formal announcement for the same.
Earlier, Pakistan Cricket Board had expressed their reluctance to play the Asia Cup T20 and had also exchanged the hosting rights with Sri Lanka due to India’s unwillingness to travel to Pakistan.
The COVID-19 infections have spread across South Asia with many nations imposing strict travel restrictions. In the latest development, Sri Lanka has announced a 10-day ban for incoming flights, which has also cast doubt over India’s tour of the island nation in July.
India are the defending champions of the Asia Cup T20, winning it in 2018. The other teams that were a part of the tournament were Bangladesh and Afghanistan.
Featured image : AFP / Ishara S. Kodikara
