Reserve Day between India and Pakistan: SL and BAN Clarify; Prasad Inquires “What was the Pressure to Agree to Unreasonable Demand?”
Many were surprised by the Asian Cricket Council’s (ACC) decision to preserve a reserve day for the upcoming India vs. Pakistan Super Four match in the current Asia Cup 2023. The traditional rivals were supposed to play one other on Sunday in Colombo, but the weather prediction didn’t seem promising for a full contest at the R Premadasa Stadium, so the ACC decided to preserve a reserve day.
It’s interesting to note that the Super 4 match between India and Pakistan is the only one with a reserve day.
The Super11 Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 match between India and Pakistan is slated to take place on September 10, 2023 at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo, according to an official statement from the ACC. “A reserve day has been incorporated,” the statement said.
“The India vs. Pakistan game will resume on September 11, 2023, from the moment it was halted, if inclement weather prevents play. Ticket holders are urged to save their match tickets, which will still be valid and used on the reserve day, in such a situation.
Bangladesh and Sri Lankan cricket boards respond.
However, their cricket boards have also stated that the decision was made following consultation with all four member boards of the Super 4 contending countries. A few media sources had claimed that the coaches of the other two participating teams, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, were upset with the choices.
“A reserve day has been added for the India-Pakistan match in the Super 11 Asia Cup Super 4 stage, thus revising the playing conditions for the Asia Cup. To be clear, the decision was made with the approval of the ACC and the four participating teams, BCB said on X.
“All four member boards of the Super 4 contending teams were consulted before deciding on the reserve day for the India-Pakistan match of the Super 11 Asia Cup Super 4 stage.
In order to implement the agreed-upon alteration, the ACC essentially amended the tournament’s playing rules, according to SLC.
What kind of pressure was it? Venkatesh Prasad is questioned
Venkatesh Prasad, a former fast bowler for India, expressed skepticism over the answers and questioned the BCB and SLC’s comments, wondering whether there had been any pressure to accept this “unreasonable demand.”
What pressure did you feel you had to give in to this absurd request when you don’t even receive a reserve day for your own matches? Why are you being so kind to prevent India vs. Pakistan from being canceled, even if it means your team won’t have a chance to advance? Please provide a thorough explanation of the motivation behind your actions, Prasad pleaded.
India’s Group Stage matches were hampered by rain.
Last week’s group-stage match between India and Pakistan in Pallekele was rained out by rain, with both sides earning one point apiece. It came back to impact the match against Nepal, giving India a 23-over chase that they won with 10 wickets remaining and advanced to the Super Fours.
