Despite forecasts of varying intensity of rain over the next two weeks, officials from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) expressed confidence on Wednesday in their ability to prepare the R Premadasa Stadium for the upcoming Asia Cup Super 4 matches and the highly anticipated final. The Sri Lanka leg of the Super 4 stage is set to begin with a match between the hosts and Bangladesh on September 9, followed by the much-awaited clash between India and Pakistan on September 10. The final is scheduled for September 17.
Godfrey Dabrera, the national curator of SLC, acknowledged the weather predictions but remained positive about the stadium’s readiness. He commented, “Yes, the predictions are for 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.”
There were initial speculations that Super 4 matches and the final might be relocated from Colombo due to inclement weather. However, the Asian Cricket Council decided to maintain the original venue choice.
Dabrera expressed his team’s capability to handle preparations at any of the three venues—Colombo, Pallekele, and Hambantota. He stated, “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. 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.”
Dabrera emphasized that rain before matches is less concerning than rain during matches. He also mentioned that having advanced weather forecasts from the Meteorological Department would have been more helpful.
“Rain during the match is tough to manage as we have to wait until 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 explained.
Despite the challenges posed by the unpredictable weather, Sri Lanka Cricket remains determined to ensure the successful completion of the Asia Cup Super 4 matches and the final at Premadasa Stadium.