The former Indian fast bowler spoke candidly in response to remarks from SLC and BCB regarding the ‘reserve day’ in the India-Pakistan match during the Asia Cup.
A dispute arose during the 2023 Asia Cup when the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) declared a reserve day solely for the India vs. Pakistan Super 4 match in Colombo due to a strong chance of heavy rain on the originally set date, September 10.
ACC clarified that if rain disrupted the match on the first day, it would continue from where it left off on the reserve day. This decision has sparked anger among fans, especially those from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
Venkatesh Prasad was perplexed by the comments issued by SLC and BCB
As all the remaining Super 4 stage matches were set for Colombo, the provision of a reserve day exclusively for one match raised fairness concerns.
Surprisingly, Sri Lanka Cricket and Bangladesh Cricket released statements seemingly in favor of the ACC’s decision on this issue.
Their statements on the social media platform X suggested that both cricket boards were informed about the allocation of the reserve day and decided not to raise objections.
“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 change. #AsiaCup2023,” Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) wrote on X.
Former Indian fast bowler Venkatesh Prasad, who expressed strong views when the news initially emerged on Friday, inquired of SLC whether there was any external pressure to concede to the ‘reserve day’ request.
“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 intent and reason to do so?” Prasad wrote.
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
Prasad posed a similar query while referencing BCB’s statement on the matter.
Although the weather forecast did influence the choice to have a reserve day, the recent occurrence of a rain-affected match between these two teams last week may have also contributed to the decision.
India will commence their Super 4 journey against Pakistan this Sunday, followed by matches against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
Babar Azam’s team had a victorious start to the Super 4, defeating Bangladesh by seven wickets last Wednesday. On Saturday, Sri Lanka faces Shakib’s team as they aim for a crucial victory.
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