Gilas Pilipinas’ campaign in the third and final window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers will not push through as scheduled.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) announced on Friday, February 12 that Qatar has canceled its hosting for Groups A, B, and E due to the rising coronavirus cases in the country.

FIBA Executive Director-Asia Hagop Khajirian, the SBP said, sent a letter to all involved teams that the Ministry of Public Health of Qatar has ordered all events to be called off.

Earlier, the Philippines had to pull out from hosting the third window in Clark, Pampanga due to the travel restrictions in the country.

“Although we are saddened by the situation, we also understand the predicament faced by the Qatar Basketball Federation as they had no choice but to follow the mandate of their government,” said SBP president Al Panlilio.

Training since January at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna, the national team composed of amateur and PBA players was supposed to fly to Doha on Saturday, February 13.

Gilas Pilipinas was scheduled to face Korea on February 18, Indonesia on February 20, and Korea again on February 22 for its final 3 qualifier games.

“The players and coaching staff have all sacrificed so much in this process as they’ve been apart from their families to represent the Philippines against South Korea and Indonesia,” Panlilio said.

“We were looking forward to seeing them perform because we know that a lot of Filipinos draw inspiration from them as well during these difficult times,” Panlilio added.

The SBP said FIBA will assess its available options to stage the games in the near future. – Rappler.com