Hong Kong to play Asia Cup qualifiers in Oman after Asian cricket bosses move tournament out of Sri Lanka
- Main draw of the tournament has been moved to Dubai over concerns about the political turmoil in Sri Lanka
- Hong Kong will play Singapore, Kuwait and UAE for the right to play in the Asia Cup proper
Hong Kong’s cricketers will play their Asia Cup qualifiers in Oman later next month, sources told the Post on Thursday.
A source said officials were expected to announce the switch shortly, after the Asian Cricket Council earlier confirmed multiple reports that the main draw was being moved from Sri Lanka to the United Arab Emirates because of the political turmoil wracking the island.
Sri Lanka has witnessed months of food and fuel shortages, blackouts and runaway inflation in the wake of its worst financial crisis on record.
The qualifiers are scheduled to be played between August 20 and 26, with the Asia Cup itself taking place from August 27 to September 11 in Dubai.
“Considering the prevailing situation in Sri Lanka, the ACC after extensive deliberation has unanimously concluded that it would be appropriate to relocate the tournament from Sri Lanka to UAE,” the governing body said in a statement.
Sri Lanka recently hosted Australia in a bilateral series and have just beaten Pakistan in the second Test at Galle.
“We were really looking forward to hosting our Asian neighbours in Sri Lanka for the much-anticipated Asia Cup,” SLC president Shammi Silva said.