SLC National Curator Optimistic to Keep Premadasa Ready for Asia Cup Super 4, Final Despite Rain Predictions – News18

The weather prediction of the coming days has put the Asia Cup Super 4 stage under the scanner as rain is expected to play spoilsport in the marquee India vs Pakistan and other clashes at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. The forecast doesn’t look good at the moment but the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) officials are very optimistic and said they will prepare the ground in time for the matches.

The remaining matches in the Asia Cup will be hosted in Colombo as it will start with the hosts taking on Bangladesh on September 9, followed by the much-awaited game between India and Pakistan on September 10.

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The final will be played on September 17 at R Premadasa Stadium.

“Yes, the predictions are for the rain. We had rains here this morning too, and it has made the wicket and areas near it a bit wet.

“The outfield too has soaked in a good amount of water. But we are working hard, and we are confident of preparing the ground in time for the matches,” said Godfrey Dabrera, the national curator of SLC.

The speculations were rife that the matches would be shifted out of Colombo because of the rain predictions but the Asian Cricket Council has decided to stick with the original choice of venue.

Dabrera was confident that his team could handle the situations at any ground.

“All the three cities (Colombo, Pallekele and Hambantota) are experiencing rainfall. But we have assembled around 100 members, and we are readying pitches in all three venues,” Dabrera said.

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“We have been told that the matches are here, so we are preparing accordingly. But I can say that all three venues can host matches, if a need arises,” he added.

Dabrera said he has visited all the three venues personally to oversee the preparations.

He said rain ahead of matches does not give them as much headache as showers during a match.

However, Dabrera said it would have helped him had the Met department given the forecast well in advance.

“Rain during the match is tough to manage as we have to wait till it subsides. But we can only do this much when the Met department provides only 12 days of forecast in advance.

“We have received the next 12 days of weather updates only today from them. Hope, we had that a few days ago,” he said.