The Indian cricket team produced a 5-star performance in the Asia Cup 2023 final vs Sri Lanka, winning their 8th Asia Cup title. Mohammed Siraj was on fire for the Indian cricket team, taking 6 wickets in the match, including 4 wickets in a over as Sri Lanka were bowled out for just 50 runs in a 50-overs match.
Subsequently, India secured victory with an impressive display, and they did not lose a single wicket during the 6.1 overs it needed for them to chase 51 runs. Following this thrilling win, the post-match award ceremony unfolded.
Mohammed Siraj, who had a spectacular performance with 6 wickets, made a remarkable gesture by generously donating his $5,000 prize to the dedicated groundsmen responsible for maintaining the Colombo Premadasa Stadium pitch. The Asia Cup 2023 was hugely affected by the rain and the groundsmen were busy all throughout the tournament.
In his address at the ceremony, Siraj commended the relentless efforts of the pitch caretakers, acknowledging their pivotal role in successfully concluding the Asia Cup series. Moreover, on behalf of the Asian Cricket Council, a substantial gift of $50,000 was presented to these dedicated pitch maintainers. Social media was abuzz with praise for both Mohammed Siraj and the Asian Cricket Council for this heartfelt gesture.
However, former Sri Lankan team captain Arjuna Ranatunga stirred controversy by suggesting the need for an investigation into the final match of the 16th Asia Cup cricket tournament. He raised questions about the financial support provided to pitch maintainers, pointing out that in the past, matches in Sri Lanka had been played even in adverse weather conditions without sufficient assistance for those responsible for the pitches. Ranatunga’s statements have ignited a debate in cricketing circles.
“During several Indian tours to Sri Lanka, we’ve seen matches affected by rain while some run smoothly thanks to the ground staff. However, I’ve never seen them receive cash rewards for their efforts. The groundsmen have been doing their work for years, but Sri Lanka Cricket never awarded them, media needs to investigate it,” Ranatunga was quoted as saying by Cricket One.
Arjuna Ranatunga’s recent interview has led to speculation among cricket fans, with some interpreting his comments as an indirect suggestion that pitch curators may have designed the pitches to favor the Indian team. However, it’s essential to highlight a significant fact: in this particular match, the Sri Lankan team won the toss and made the strategic decision to bat first.
