NEW DELHI: The upcoming Asia Cup will see a shift in match timings, with all 18 day-night fixtures - including the final - set to begin at 8 PM IST, half an hour later than originally scheduled, Cricbuzz reported.
The decision comes amid soaring temperatures in the UAE, where conditions are expected to hover around 40 degrees even into the evening. To help players cope with the extreme heat, the cricket boards requested a slight delay in start times. Broadcasters accepted the proposal, leading to the rescheduled match timings.
The sole exception to the revised schedule is the tournament's only day game - the UAE vs Oman clash on September 15 at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
The Asia Cup will be staged in Dubai and Abu Dhabi from September 9 to 28, with eight teams split into two groups. Group A features India, Pakistan, UAE, and Oman, while Group B includes Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong.
India will open their campaign against the UAE on September 10 in Dubai, before locking horns with arch-rivals Pakistan in a much-anticipated clash on September 14 at the same venue. Their final group-stage fixture is set for September 19 in Abu Dhabi, where they will face Oman.
