On September 8, Friday, a surprise announcement from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) concerning the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 sparked a debate controversy. The ACC allotted a reserve day, solely for the impending Super Fours clash between India and Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on September 10. With the weather predictions indicating potential rain disruptions, the ACC's move, at first glance, appeared to be a proactive one. However, the particular choice of having a reserve day only for the India-Pakistan encounter, sidelining the other Super Fours matches, has led to intense debates.
Venkatesh Prasad, former Indian fast bowler and selector, didn't hesitate to voice his disappointment over this preferential treatment by ACC. Taking to the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), Prasad responded to the Bangladesh cricket team's social media manager's tweet, emphasising, "If true this is absolute shamelessness. 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."
Following the widespread discussion, the Bangladesh and Sri Lanka cricket boards made clarifying statements through their official X accounts. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) highlighted, "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." This tweet was posted shortly after Prasad labeled the move as "unethical." Addressing the BCB, Prasad enquired, "What was the pressure to agree to this unreasonable demand?"
Adding to the narrative, the Sri Lankan cricket board announced, "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."
Yet, Prasad's skepticism remained. He questioned the Sri Lankan board's motives, asking why they would not demand reserve days for their own matches and wondered about the real intentions behind such decisions.
As discussions intensify and fans across Asia weigh in, it's evident that the Asia Cup 2023 is witnessing more than just cricketing action, but also a significant off-field drama.
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