(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] Rain has dampened the excitement of the ongoing Asia Cup as fans eagerly awaited the fixture, scheduled between arch-rivals India and Pakistan.
In the Indo-Pak Super Four encounter, Rohit Sharma and Co. were at 146-2 before rain interrupted the proceedings.
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) faced backlash from fans, who expressed their anger for organizing the tournament in Sri Lanka, despite knowing that rain could disrupt the matches, instead of opting for the UAE, known for its dry conditions.
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri clarified on Star Sports why the Asia Cup was not played in the UAE, saying, “If you see at this moment in time, there is rain everywhere. You know, there was talk about that it could have been played in Dubai. Dubai is so hot… for a 50-over game, these players would have been finished. It’s unforeseen circumstances, it’s a calamity that can happen naturally. You look at Bangladesh, northern India, Mumbai, the coastline of India… there is rain everywhere.”
Further, the former Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram also commented:
“I know it’s frustrating for the players and the fans back home in India, Pakistan, and worldwide as well but this thing you cannot control. A lot of people are criticizing a lot of people regarding the Asia Cup but this decision has been made. There is no point criticizing now, nothing can happen. A lot of people say it should have been played in Pakistan. We can discuss this topic but it’s not our job.”
The Asia Cup 2023 is being played in the 50-over format and included 6 teams: India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh have advanced to the Super Four stage of the tournament. The final of the Asia Cup 2023 is scheduled to take place in Colombo on September 17, with September 18 reserved as a back-up day for the summit clash.