Not possible to host Asia Cup in June 2021 due to COVID: Sri Lanka Cricket chief

Sri Lanka Cricket chief Ashley de Silva has ruled out the possibility of the nation hosting the Asia Cup in June 2021. The decision has been taken after considering the COVID-19 situation in the sub-continent. Asia Cup 2021 was supposed to be played in the lead up to the T20 World Cup. The T20 World Cup is expected to be held in India between October-November. The previous edition of the Asia Cup was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Due to the prevailing situation, it will not be possible to play the tournament in June this year,” said de Silva in an interaction with reporters as quoted by AFP.

The Sri Lanka cricket chief further added that the tournament might get pushed back until after the conclusion of the 50-over World Cup in 2023. Pakistan have the hosting rights for the Asia Cup in 2022, with a lack of clarity over whether the tournament will be held next year.

The Asia Cup was last played in 2018. UAE were the hosts, with the tournament held across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. India had emerged victorious, defeating Bangladesh in the final by 3 wickets.

De Villiers to not be part of upcoming T20 World Cup

The upcoming T20 World Cup will be missing out on the presence of AB de Villiers, who will not be making a comeback having retired from international cricket.

“Discussions with AB de Villiers have concluded with the batsman deciding once and for all, that his retirement will remain final,” read a recent statement from Cricket South Africa (CSA).

Mark Boucher, the head coach of the South Africa men’s side expressed his belief that De Villiers was concerned about getting an opportunity, at the expense of another player.

“AB has his reasons, which I respect. Unfortunately he’s no longer in the mix. I say unfortunately because I think we all agree that he’s still one of the best – if not the best – T20 players in world cricket,” he said as quoted by The Citizen.

“But he alluded to being concerned about coming in ahead of other players who have been a part of the system. I don’t think it sat well with him, which I understand. But as a coach, I needed to try and get our best players, for the team and the environment. AB is an energy booster in any environment, but I respect his reasoning. It was worth a go, but now let’s move forward,” concluded Boucher.