On Friday, the Asia Cup 2023 was once again one of the most talked about topic among the cricket fanatics, even though there weren’t any matches planned for the day. Many cricket fans have been left unhappy with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC)’s decision to have a backup day for the final match and the India vs. Pakistan Super 4 game but not for the other matches, which involve Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
Both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh cricket team coaches have raised criticism regarding this issue, especially due to the possibility of rain affecting the Sri Lanka Bangladesh game on Saturday. Chris Silverwood, who coaches Sri Lanka, was surprised by the Asian Cricket Council’s use of different playing conditions.
Meanwhile, Venkatesh Prasad, a former Indian fast bowler, took to social media to share his perspective, strongly criticizing the tournament organizers.
He called their actions “shameless” and unethical, stating that having different rules for two teams makes a mockery of the tournament. Prasad suggested that it would be fair if the tournament was abandoned on the first day, hoping for heavier rain on the second day to thwart what he perceived as malicious plans.
If true this is absolute shamelessness this. The organisers have made a mockery and it is unethical to have a tournament with rules being different for the other two teams.
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) September 8, 2023
In the name of justice, will only be fair if it is abandoned the first day, may it rain harder on the… https://t.co/GPQGmdo1Zx
Prasad didn’t hold back and also directed criticism towards the Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for agreeing to the demands of having reserve day only for India vs Pakistan match.
What was the pressure to agree on this unreasonable demand, when you aren’t getting a reserve day for your own matches ? Why so much generosity to ensure India vs Pakistan isn’t washed out even if it costs your own team a chance to qualify. Can you please explain truly the… https://t.co/gPE6H3Fjfd
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) September 8, 2023
Due to continuous rainfall in the capital of Sri Lanka for the past week, there have been talks about relocating the Super 4 match between the arch-rivals, India and Pakistan, to Hambantota. This consideration arises from a previous occasion where the last India vs Pakistan game in the group stages of the Asia Cup 2023 had to be postponed due to bad weather. However, this seems not likely and the tournament will continued to be played in Colombo.
Thus, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has decided to include a backup day for the India vs Pakistan match on Sunday and the final match. This decision was made because all seven remaining matches, including the mentioned games, will still take place in Colombo.
