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Sri Lanka told to 'prepare stadiums for Asia Cup'
DOHA: Sri Lanka has been asked to get its stadiums ready to host the 2014 Asia Cup as the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) does not believe the tournament will be able to take place in Bangladesh, Dawn.com has learnt.
The biennial event is scheduled from February 25 to March 8 but political unrest in Bangladesh, that has seen nearly 150 deaths in the last few months, has cast a shadow over it being hosted in the country. The West Indies Under-19s were forced to return home after a blast near their hotel last month while the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had also shown reservations over touring Bangladesh due to its strained relationship at board and government level.
Although the ACC approved Bangladesh as the hosts in a meeting earlier this month, the body has asked Sri Lanka to have its venues prepared in the event of a late change of hosts, according to a senior ACC official.
“The event is still over a month away so we have a bit of time to assess the situation,” the official told Dawn.com. “Though it’s routine to have a contingency plan for every event, it’s looking unlikely that the Asia Cup will take place in Bangladesh if the situation stays as it is. Pakistan’s strained relationship at government level – and providing extra security for the team – will also become a huge factor.
“There are a couple of meetings that will take place between now and the Asia Cup but the Sri Lankan board has been told to prepare its stadiums as the event will be moved there in all likelihood.”
A two-member security team from Sri Lanka visited Bangladesh ahead of their team’s series but the ACC official termed that a ‘mere formality’ as a decision would have been reached prior to the visit. The PCB has also planned on sending its security team to Bangladesh before making a final decision.
With the 2014 World Twenty20 due to take place in Bangladesh as well, the issue will be discussed at an International Cricket Council meeting in Dubai from January 27 to 29.
Comments (15) Closed
It is great news, The way things are going on in Bangladesh, I am not comfortable at all to have tournament in Bangladesh. This will be good decision to pull our Asia cup as well as World cup. There is threat to Pak team under Hasina Govt who is digging history and taking her personal revenges which is only spreading hatered. Hope both the tournaments move out of Bangladesh asap.
Bangladesh offering extra security for Pakistan players in itself confirms extra threat to Pak cricket, It will be only wise to pull out both tournaments from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka is the best host for both the tournaments.
Good News....must play Asia cup and WC in Sri Lanka or in Australia...
This is logical & peace of mind for the players & officials. At a time when more unrest is expected how can the mega event be held there. Sri Lanka is therefore the best alternative choice.
Its time not to send team to BD as they are threatening our embassy, team and anything Pakistani. SL is a good option.
Sri Lanka! Yikes, Go on boys bring home the trophy.
I've never really seen animosity from Bangladeshis towards Pakistanis. The current Bangladeshi government seems bent on changing that. Possibly to distract attention away from her bad governance.
Doesn't Matter If Pakistan Participate or Not...Thats Why Bangladesh Diplomatically Placed Afghanistan on Asia Cup...It will still be a 4 Team Tournament without Pakistan, Afganistan, Sri Lanka and India Voted in Favor of Bangladesh as host for Asia Cup and WT20
Pakistan and Sri lanka should host Asia Cup and T-20 World Cup at stadiums in UAE and Sri Lanka.
The tournament should surely be moved out to any other place except Bangladesh. The situation there is very threatening for such a tournament to take place.
@Taimur Malik: Agree with you.
Asgher Mansoor
Just move the Asia Cup and T20 from BD. No team will be safe there. Make move ASAP and give Sri Lanka enogh time to prepare stadia. If tournaments are held in BD, PCB should not send the team.
@4312: How can a cook say his food is bad, he will try to win few others to second him
Sri Lanka Cricket secretery Ranatunga rejected reports that Sri Lanka had been sounded out by Asian cricket authorities about the possibility of hosting the Asia Cup which will also include India, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
"There is no such thing. No one has asked us to host the Asia Cup," Ranatunga said. "The original decision of the ACC (Asian Cricket Council) stands."
This is totally a falls news.Pakistan is trying best to move Asia Cup from Bangladesh and publishing false news in their newspaper. There is no strike in Bangladesh for last one week. Situations is getting better. I can see the Asia Cup and T20 World cup in Bangladesh.