It’s too hot in Dubai, they said. But it was just as hot when the Asia Cup was last held there in September 2022 or when the IPL was held there in April 2014 and September 2020. Politics over sport. Unforgivable!

Sri Lanka was added as co-host to the original tournament host Pakistan under a hybrid model after India refused to host Asia Cup matches across its western border due to geopolitical tensions between the two countries.

Under the hybrid model, four matches are scheduled to be played in Pakistan and the rest in Sri Lanka.

Last year, the Asia Cup was held in the UAE around the same time, but in a T20 format, with matches scheduled in the evening. The Indian Premier League in 2020 and 2021 was also held in the UAE due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In Saturday’s match, only one innings was possible and the Indians were bowled out for 266 in 48.5 overs. The Indian innings also saw several stoppages and the toss was postponed.