Asia Cup 2022 is around and is slated to kick off from August 27 in Sri Lanka but the doubt still lingers around it as the rising political and financial unrest in the Island is only worsening day by day. Meanwhile, as per the latest development on the current situation, Bangladesh and UAE has been kept as a back up option to stage the all the all-important marquee tournament.
Also, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has been given a deadline, July 26, to clear their stance on the staging of Asia Cup.
A source in the know of things told Sports Tak, " We are in constant touch with SLC as they're showing confidence that they can stage Asia Cup and there is time as well for the commencement of Asia Cup but we, Asian Cricket Council (ACA) has kept Bangladesh/UAE on standby. Decision will be taken soon and SLC can tell us their stand by July 26.
On the other hand SLC secretary Mohan de Silva had earlier told Sports Tak that they're confident and they can stage Asia Cup and ensured the normalcy in the situation. However, they will monitoring the situation and a call will be taken accordingly.
Sri Lanka is marred by its worst financial crisis in more than 70 years. In face of this adversity, people in Island nation are experiencing severe shortages of food, fuel and other essentials. The 22 million people of the island nation have witnessed weeks of power blackouts and severe shortages of food in the wake of the economic and political tension.
All eyes will be on much anticipated India-Pakistan clash which will again highlight the marquee event. India will be playing Pakistan for the first time after the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup.
Asia Cup 2022 will have six teams - India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and a Qualifier. The Qualifier tournament will be played between UAE and Kuwait, who progressed from 2020 ACC Western Region T20, and Singapore and Hing Kong, who progressed from the 2020 ACC Eastern Region T20.
India remain the most dominant team in Asia Cup history. In 14 editions, since the inception in 1984, India have won the title seven times - 1984, 1988, 1990/91, 1995, 2010, 2016 and 2018. Sri Lanka is the second most successful side with five title wins - 1986, 1997, 2004, 2008 and 2014. They have also made the most appearances (14) in Asia Cup history followed by India, Pakistan and Bangladesh who have played the tournament 13 times each. Pakistan have won the remaining two times - 2000 and 2012.
