Former India cricketer Ravi Shastri has stated that the Asia Cup could not have taken place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to the scorching heat.

During the Super Four match between India and Pakistan, which was postponed to Monday, September 10 due to rain and a damp outfield, former Indian cricketer and head coach Ravi Shastri expressed his opinion on why Dubai was not considered as the Asia Cup host.

Notably, Dubai was also in negotiations to become co-hosts or the primary host, but was ultimately ruled out. Shastri has supported the decision because he believes that the sweltering and oppressive conditions in Dubai would have 'finished' the players before the ODI World Cup in India in October and November.

"If you actually see at this moment in time, there is rain everywhere. You know, there was talk about that it could have been played in Dubai. Dubai is so hot for a 50-over game, these players would have been finished. It's unforeseen circumstances, it’s a calamity that can happen naturally. You look at Bangladesh, northern India, Mumbai, coastline of India…there is rain everywhere," Ravi Shastri said on Star Sports.

The Asia Cup 2023 was a massive disappointment for cricket enthusiasts worldwide. The continental tournament started off on August 30 in Multan, Pakistan before the action transferred completely to Colombo, Sri Lanka for the Super Four round. Despite the fact that the multi-nation event is being conducted to assist the participating teams prepare for the upcoming ODI World Cup, which begins early next month, many games have been interrupted in Sri Lanka due to persistent rain.