Former India star bowler Venkatesh Prasad emphasises the need for improved fan experience in the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup in India, urging BCCI for better preparations. He also criticises the Asian Cricket Council's decision regarding a reserve day exclusively for the India-Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2023.
Indian cricket legend Venkatesh Prasad believes that for the Indian team to make a lasting impact in the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup starting October 5, not only do they need a strong squad, but the undying support of their fans. He insists that it is paramount for the fans to have an exceptional stadium experience, superior to what they've encountered in the past.
Prasad expressed his thoughts candidly, "We have a good team and are strong contenders for the World Cup but we need genuine fans inside the stadium cheering for the team and their experience needs to be far smoother and easier than what it has been, and for that the BCCI needs to do far better than they have done so far. It is a reflection of the country as a whole and we as a nation should not be let down at any cost." These remarks were shared on X (formerly known as Twitter).
However, Prasad's commentary didn't end there. Recently, he took a jibe at the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) over its surprising decision related to the Asia Cup 2023. The Council decided to allocate a reserve day exclusively for the high-voltage encounter between India and Pakistan scheduled in the Super Four stage.
Clearly irked by the ACC's decision, Prasad didn't mince his words: "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." This sentiment too was shared on X.
For clarity, the ACC's recent announcement details that the India-Pakistan match, planned for September 10 at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka, would have a backup day. If unforeseen weather conditions disrupt the play, the match will resume the following day, September 11, from the last point before the interruption.
It remains to be seen how these discussions and concerns voiced by former players like Prasad shape the narratives and decisions in the coming days leading up to the tournaments.
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