PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf has suggested relocating the remaining Asia Cup matches due to continuous rain in Sri Lanka, proposing either Pakistan or the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as alternative venues. This proposition was made during a telephone conversation with Board of Control for Cricket in India Secretary Jay Shah. Their discussion revolved around the rain-affected India-Pakistan match in Sri Lanka and concerns about further rain impacting the continental tournament. The PCB chairman emphasized the need to assess the weather conditions in Sri Lanka for the upcoming days and make a decision accordingly, emphasizing that the Asia Cup should not be disrupted by rain.
The Asia Cup is a significant tournament, and it is imperative to ensure it remains unaffected by adverse weather conditions. Prior to this development, ESPNcricinfo had reported that the organizing body was contemplating relocating Asia Cup games in the Super Four round away from Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. Officials from Sri Lanka Cricket and the PCB had confirmed this, highlighting the search for alternative venues in Sri Lanka where rain was not forecast. This decision came after the highly-anticipated contest between Pakistan and India ended in a washout on September 2 at the Pallakele Stadium in Sri Lanka, resulting in both teams sharing one point. Pakistan advanced to the Super 4s with this shared point.
Former PCB chairman Najam Sethi expressed his disappointment with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and BCCI for choosing Sri Lanka as the tournament's host despite weather forecasts predicting rain. He criticized the decision and urged the ACC to consider hosting the tournament in the UAE.
Sethi argued that excuses based on the weather in the UAE, such as it being too hot, were insufficient, citing past events like the Asia Cup in September 2022 and IPL in April 2014 and September 2020 held in Dubai. He viewed this decision as a result of politics overshadowing sports, deeming it unforgivable.