Sourav Ganguly confirms that Asia Cup 2022 will be played in UAE

In the last month or so, there were speculations on whether Sri Lanka will be able to host the Asia Cup 2022 due to the violent protests against the government of its country. Earlier, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) was reportedly confident of hosting the tournament. After all, they had successfully hosted Australia and are currently hosting Pakistan as well.

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However, things have changed in the island nation with Lanka Premier League (LPL) getting postponed. The final nail in the coffin was when SLC chief executive officer Ashley de Silva told ESPNcricinfo that they are unable to host the tournament. Indian Cricket Board president Sourav Ganguly has confirmed that the Asian tournament will be played in the UAE

"Asia Cup will be in UAE, as it is the only place where there won't be rains," Ganguly told reporters after the Board's Apex Council meeting in Mumbai.

Notably, the 2018 edition, which was the last edition, was also played in the middle east. Even at that time, they weren't supposed to host the tournament. In fact, India was meant to host the tournament. However, the security situation for Pakistan in their neighbouring country meant that the tournament was played in the United Arab Emirates.

Once again, the Emirates will host multiple Asian teams on their lands. The only difference will be the format of the matches. In 2018, the tournament was played in the 50-over format while this time around, it will be played in the 20-over format. With the 20-20 World Cup in sight, the teams have preferred playing Asia Cup in the shortest format. Asia Cup is slated to be held from August 27 to September 11.

The schedule of the tournament is yet announced. However, it is to be noted that the dates haven't changed at all. It is a great disappointment for the Sri Lankan fans as the country last hosted the tournament in 2010. It was meant to be played in 2020 but COVID 19 postponed the tournament for two years.