Asia Cup 2021: Sri Lanka Cricket Calls Off The Tournament Due To COVID-19 Threat

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has decided not to go ahead with Asia Cup for the time being due to the prevailing COVID-19 situation in the country. The Asia Cup T20 tournament was to take place in June; however, with the COVID-19 increasing in the Island nation, it had to stand cancelled. The competition had already been held over from last year in Pakistan due to the virus outbreak.

The COVID-19 cases have increased rapidly in Sri Lanka over the last few weeks, with many nations restricting flights from the region. Due to the same, India’s tour of Sri Lanka remains encapsulated with slight uncertainty. On Wednesday, the Sri Lankan government announced a ten-day ban on airline passengers coming into the country.

Sri Lanka Cricket chief executive Ashley de Silva proclaimed that the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak has forced the tournament to be cancelled and cannot take place in June. He also claimed that with most of the countries having pre-planned bilateral series over the next two years, they might have to put it off until after the 2023 World Cup. He expects the Asian Cricket Council to issue a formal statement soon “Due to the prevailing situation, it will not be possible to play the tournament in June this year,” De Silva said as quoted by The Hindu.

Sri Lanka to square off Bangladesh in three ODIs from the 23rd of May:

The Sri Lankan national team reached Bangladesh before their government banned incoming and outgoing flights. The two sides will play three ODIs in Dhaka from the 23rd of May, followed by visiting England to play three ODIs and as many T20Is.

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