This appears to be a change from the ICC’s original announcement and the tournament’s playing conditions. Both hosts have suffered setbacks in the Super Eight stages, with India losing to South Africa and Sri Lanka suffering defeat to England in their respective clashes.
“Semi-final 1 is a floating arrangement where the match will be held in Colombo or Kolkata. If Pakistan qualify for the semi-finals, they will play in Semi-Final 1 in Colombo on March 4. If Pakistan does not qualify for the semi-finals, but Sri Lanka does qualify and play someone other than India, then Sri Lanka will play in Semi-Final 1 in Colombo,” the statement said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
The ICC has also reiterated that if neither Pakistan nor Sri Lanka qualify for the semi-finals, Semi-Final 1 will be held in Kolkata and Semi-Final 2 in Mumbai. If India reach the semi-finals, they will play in Mumbai regardless of their opponent. However, if India draws against Pakistan, the match will be played in Colombo.
In the event that India, Pakistan or Sri Lanka fail to qualify for the semi-finals, the team that finishes first in Group 1 of the Super Eights will face the second-placed team from Group 2 in Kolkata. Meanwhile, the winner of Group 2 will take on the runners-up from Group 1 in Mumbai. As Sri Lanka and Pakistan are both placed in Group 2, a Sri Lanka-Pakistan semi-final is not possible.
This development represents a change, or at least a clarification, of the schedule announced in November. The earlier announcement had made provisions for Pakistan to play their semi-final and final in Sri Lanka, but did not specify what would happen if Sri Lanka itself progressed to the knockout stages.
“If Pakistan qualify for the semi-finals, Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium will replace Kolkata as host of Semi-Final 1. Should Pakistan reach the final, that venue will also shift from Ahmedabad to Colombo. If India and Pakistan meet in the Semi-Finals, that match will take place in Colombo, while Mumbai will host Semi-Final 2 involving India if they play against a team other than Pakistan,” the release said.
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