Sri Lanka have been given time until July 27 to confirm whether they would be able to host Asia Cup 2022 in the island nation amid the economic crisis that has led to widespread protests across the country, foreign media reported today. 

Sri Lanka have the hosting rights for Asia Cup 2022, which is scheduled to be played from August 27.

Sri Lanka is battling rising inflation and a severe shortage of essential commodities and fuel due to decreasing foreign currency reserves. Protests have erupted against the government with several former cricketers, including Arjuna Ranatunga and Sanathan Jayasuirya joining the public rallies in the country.

A source close to the Asian Cricket Council told India Today that the ACC officials are in constant touch with Sri Lanka Cricket board members, who are still hopeful of hosting the Asia Cup.

“As of now, it would be really tough to say whether they can host the Asia cup. What I know is they are hopeful and very positive about this issue. There is still time in hand to take call but at the same time as per protocol they have been given a deadline to decide on the same,” the source was quoted as saying.

Sri Lanka have been given time until July 27 to take a final call, the source said. The Asian cricket council will prepare a plan to move the Asia Cup out of Sri Lanka if the SLC is not able to host the premier tournament, India Today reported.

Sri Lanka were scheduled to host the 2020 edition of the Asia Cup but that tournament was postponed twice due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Pakistan have the hosting rights for the continental showpiece in 2023.

This year, the Asia Cup will be held in a T20 format as the sides prepare for the T20 World Cup which will be held in Australia later this year.

The last time the Asia Cup was held in 2018 in the UAE and was won by India.

Source: India Today

--Agencies