Asia Cup 2023: Bangladesh, Sri Lankan boards open up on Reserve Day controversy in India vs Pakistan match

The Asia Cup 2023 was buzzing with excitement as the Super 4 stage approached, promising a fiery clash between cricket giants India and Pakistan. However, a storm of controversy erupted before the match even began, centring on the decision to introduce a reserve day exclusively for this high-voltage encounter.

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) dropped a bombshell when they unveiled plans to set aside a reserve day solely for the India-Pakistan showdown. This move was intended to ensure that the marquee match could be completed even in the event of weather interruptions. The decision immediately ignited a firestorm of debate among cricket fans and former cricketers.

As outrage swelled among cricket enthusiasts and former players, ACC found itself on the defensive. The participating nations quickly issued statements clarifying the rationale behind this. In a tweet, Sri Lanka Cricket shed light on the decision-making process. "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 in Asia Cup 2023", the board tweeted.

"The decision was taken with consent", says BCB on the controversy

Further, the Bangladesh Cricket Board chipped in to reveal the thought process. The board emphasised that the reserve day was introduced with the full consent of all four nations involved. Their statement read, "A reserve day for India-Pakistan contest in the Super 11 Asia Cup Super 4 stage has been added, which effectively revised the Asia Cup playing conditions." To clarify the position, the decision was taken with the consent of all four participating teams and the ACC."

While the controversy surrounding the reserve day threatened to overshadow the much-anticipated clash, rain is another spoiler. According to the weather forecast, Colombo is set to receive moderate to heavy rainfall during the game. As the Super 4 stage approached, all eyes remained fixed on the India-Pakistan match.