Former India head coach Rahul Dravid defended the timings of the USA leg of the T20 World Cup 2024 matches. India's three group stage matches were played in the USA which started at 10:30 AM (local time). Dravid defended the early start as it aimed to cater the audience back home tuning in to watch the match.
"I don't think starting at 10:30am was a problem for me, honestly. We are in the entertainment business, which caters to people who want to watch the sport. I had absolutely no problem with it," Dravid said.
Early start made it ‘even-stevens’
Dravid who helped Rohit Sharma-led side end their 11-year ICC trophy drought also said that the morning start meant that the team batting second does not have an advantage due to dew factor.
"As a coach, the conditions were quite even because dew becomes a factor in a lot of day-night games. The toss can become a big factor, as we saw in Australia. But for 10:30, it was not a problem; it was even-steven for both teams.
"From a coaching perspective, I didn't mind the 10:30 game,” the 51-year-old said.
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Dravid believes ‘there is a huge passion’ for cricket in USA
Dravid lauded the International Cricket Council (ICC) for taking the game to the USA.
"Yes, in terms of facilities, it's challenging. But if you want to grow the sport and make it a global game, then you have to be at events like this and make compromises, even if it means playing at odd hours in conditions that might not necessarily be perfect.
"It was a great effort by the ICC to take the game to the USA and expose that audience to the game. There is a huge passion for the game in the USA. It was really nice to play in the USA; some of the games were packed," he added.
Dravid to return to former IPL franchise
After Dravid’s tenure as head coach ended, he has been on radar of several Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises ahead of the mega auction. However, Dravid is likely to return to his former franchise Rajasthan Royals (RR).
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