Not everyone is happy with the reserve day allocated to the India-Pakistan fixture: The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has announced a reserve day for the India-Pakistan Super Four match in the Asia Cup 2023. The match is scheduled to be played on September 10 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and there is a 90% chance of rain on that day.
The decision to allocate a reserve day has been met with mixed reactions. Some people believe that it is justified, given the high chances of rain. Others believe that it is unfair to the other teams in the Super Four, as they will not have the benefit of a reserve day if their matches are rained out.
Ridiculous decision to have a reserve day for just India v Pak game. It's like saying other teams don't matter.
Either have it for all matches or don't have it for any (except final).
And right now, the only place in Sri Lanka where is not threatening to rain is inside the…
— KSR (@KShriniwasRao) September 8, 2023
Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusinghe has expressed his displeasure with the decision. He said that it is “not ideal” to have a reserve day for just one game, and that it gives an unfair advantage to India and Pakistan.
A reserve day for India Pakistan contest in Super 11 Asia Cup Super 4 stage has been added that effectively revised the Asia Cup playing condition. To clarify on the position, the decision was taken with the consent of all four participating teams and ACC.
— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) September 8, 2023
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Sri Lanka coach Chris Silverwood has also expressed surprise at the decision. He said that he understands the need for a reserve day due to the weather conditions. But he believes that it should be applied to all Super Four matches, not just the India-Pakistan match.
The reserve day for the India-Pakistan contest of the Super 11 Asia Cup Super 4 stage was taken in consultation with all four member boards of the Super 4 competing teams.
Accordingly, the ACC effectively revised the playing conditions of the tournament to effect the agreed-upon…
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) September 8, 2023
The ACC has defended its decision. They said that it is only fair to give the India-Pakistan match a reserve day, as it is the most anticipated match of the tournament.
Farid Khan Said-
Update: No other Super Four match has a reserve day, only India vs Pakistan has a reserve day. All rules can be broken for India vs Pakistan, it's that big. The broadcasters wanted this match to be completed at any cost and now it's going to happen! This is history, just awaiting…
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) September 8, 2023
The final decision of whether or not to play the match on the reserve day. The match referee will decide on the day of the game.
Saif Ahmed Said-
Some reports claiming that there will be a reserve day only for the game between India & Pakistan scheduled on 10th SEPT. If it turns out true, then it is just shameful for cricket.
They used to indirectly give us the direction that the broadcasters only care about IND-PAK in…
— Saif Ahmed 🇧🇩 (@saifahmed75) September 8, 2023
In the meantime, the controversy over the reserve day is likely to continue to simmer. It is a reminder of the political sensitivities surrounding India-Pakistan cricket, and the challenges that the ACC faces in organizing a fair and equitable tournament.
Venkatesh Prasad Said-
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