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Venkatesh Prasad (Source- Twitter)
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) confirmed on Friday that there will be a reserve day added only for the Super Four clash between India and Pakistan on September 10. Several fans and experts have raised questions about the decision over various social media platforms.
The decision was taken due to a high chance of heavy rainfall on the originally scheduled date. Particularly from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka who justifiably feel it was a biased decision from the Asian cricketing body. However, issued rather surprising statements on the matter, as they seemed to support the decision made by the ACC.
What was the pressure to agree on this unreasonable demand: Venkatesh Prasad
Their statements on Twitter clearly indicated that both boards were aware of the reserve day and did not make any protest. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) stated, "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."
Former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad, was the one who reacted strongly to the news when it first broke out on Friday, he questioned the SLC on whether there was “pressure” to agree to the ‘reserve day’ demand. He stated, "What was the pressure to agree on this unreasonable demand, when you aren’t getting a reserve day for your own matches ? Why so much generosity to ensure India vs Pakistan isn’t washed out even if it costs your own team a chance to qualify. Can you please explain truly the intent and reason to do so?"
He previously slammed the ACC for allocating a reserve day only for the marquee clash. He previously said, "If true this is absolute shamelessness this. 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."