Asia Cup 2023: Both the exciting matches and the controversy that has surrounded the Asia Cup 2023 have attracted considerable interest in the cricketing globe. Among them is the backlash to the ACC’s decision to set aside a reserve day for India vs. Pakistan Super 4 match, which was voiced most prominently by former Indian cricketer Venkatesh Prasad. We’ll examine this decision and the many responses to it in depth here.
A reserve day was designated by the ACC for the September 10 match between India and Pakistan at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka, which has caused quite a stir. Since previously only the Asia Cup final had been granted a backup day, this move drew some raised eyebrows. The big mystery is why this is the case.
When Venkatesh Prasad, a former bowler famous for his aggression, voiced his disapproval, he didn’t hold back. A social media post of his read: “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. In the name of justice, will only be fair if it is abandoned the first day, may it rain harder on the second day and these malicious plans not succeed,” Ventakesh wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday. The notion expressed by Prasad’s critique is that such special treatment undermines the fairness of the event.
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.
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— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) September 8, 2023
The criticism made by Venkatesh Prasad was shared by others. Similarly concerned was Bangladesh cricket team coach Chandika Hathurusingha. He felt it was unfair that the India-Pakistan match was the only one to have a reserve day, saying that his team could have used one too, what with the impending rain in Colombo.
Asia Cup 2023: Venkatesh Prasad Blasts The ACC’s Reserve Day Call For IND vs PAK
Since a reserve day has been granted for this match, many are wondering why the organisers decided to deviate from the usual timetable. The India vs. Pakistan match in the group stage was postponed due to rain. The sides ended up with a single point apiece. This result was expected, however, given the lack of a buffer day.
On September 12, India will face Sri Lanka in their next Super Four encounter. Since the weather in Colombo is so unpredictable, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the tournament’s hosts, contemplated playing the Colombo games in Hambantota instead. The ACC, however, stepped in and opted to keep the original schedule in place, citing practical concerns.
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The Asia Cup 2023 decision to set aside a reserve day for just the India-Pakistan encounter has created quite a ruckus. Others, like Venkatesh Prasad, see it as an unjust departure from the norm, while its proponents claim that it delivers justice and a fascinating spectacle. Cricket fans can’t wait for this high-stakes matchup, but their opinions on the ACC’s decision are divided.
