The much-anticipated Asia Cup 2023 is set to begin on 30th August, with Pakistan and Sri Lanka co-hosting the prestigious cricket tournament.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had earlier clarified that the Indian cricket team would not tour Pakistan for the tournament organized by the Pakistan Cricket Board. The opening match of the tournament between Pakistan and Nepal is expected to get off to a thrilling start.
However, just five days before the start of the tournament, the ongoing COVID-19 crisis has cast a shadow of uncertainty over the Asia Cup 2023.
The Threat Looms
Reports have emerged that four cricketers, including Sri Lankan fast bowler Dushmantha Chamira and leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, are now doubtful to participate in the upcoming Asia Cup due to a combination of injuries and COVID-19 concerns.
Dushmantha Chamira recently suffered a shoulder injury during his participation in the Lankan Premier League (LPL). This unfortunate injury may potentially rule Chamira out of the Asia Cup, making matters worse for the already-struggling Sri Lankan cricket team.
Race Against Time
With the Asia Cup 2023 set to begin imminently, there is precious little time to resolve these issues. The added complication of four Sri Lankan players testing positive for COVID-19 has exacerbated the situation.
Aside from Pakistan, matches will also be played in Sri Lanka, starting with the first match on August 30th, pitting Pakistan against Nepal at Multan ground. Subsequently, the Sri Lankan team is scheduled to play its first match against Bangladesh on August 31st at Pallekele ground.
However, with the recent COVID-19 positive cases, it is now becoming increasingly difficult for these players to be part of this prestigious tournament, casting a pall over their preparations.
Uncertainty Abounds
The Sri Lankan team is currently in the midst of its preparations for the Asia Cup. Regrettably, reports have confirmed that four players, including the fast bowler Dushmanta Chamira and Vanindu Hasaranga, have tested positive for the coronavirus.
This has created a significant hurdle for the Sri Lankan cricket authorities and team management just five days before the tournament’s commencement.
Chamira’s Injury Woes before Asia Cup 2023
Adding to the woes of the Sri Lankan team is the uncertain fitness of Dushmanta Chamira. His shoulder injury, sustained during the Lankan Premier League (LPL), has raised questions about his ability to participate in the tournament. The selectors are faced with a daunting task as they have not yet announced Sri Lanka’s squad for the upcoming competition.
Chamira’s shoulder injury threatens to rule him out of this crucial tournament, putting the Sri Lankan team in a challenging position.
the Asia Cup 2023, which promised to be a thrilling cricket extravaganza, now hangs in the balance due to a series of unfortunate events, including injuries and COVID-19 infections among key players.
The fate of the tournament remains uncertain as the cricketing world anxiously awaits updates from the tournament organizers and team management.
