Last Update on: September 12th, 2023 at 12:32 pm
Former India player and head coach, Ravi Shastri opened up on the venue row of the Asia Cup 2023 and said that the players couldn’t have played in Dubai due to heat.
In the third Super Fours match between India and Pakistan, the Men in Blue clinched a stunning 228-run win against Babar Azam’s side. The match started on Sunday (September 10th) but due to heavy rain, it was shifted to the reserve day on Monday (September 11th).
India dominated the game from the very first overs after Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill made a stunning 121-run partnership. Later, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul continued their domination over the Men in Greenside.
Virat Kohli made 122 runs from 94 balls with a strike rate of 129.79. On the other hand, KL Rahul played a 111-run knock from 106 balls with a strike rate of 104.72. It was a special inning for KL Rahul since the player made a century in his first competitive match after recovering from injury.
You look at Bangladesh, northern India, Mumbai, and the coastline of India there is rain everywhere: Ravi Shastri
While speaking on Star Sports, Ravi Shastri said that at this point in time, there is rain everywhere. The former head coach, Ravi Shastri also added that Dubai is very hot for a 50-over match and that the players would have failed to finish the match.
“If you actually 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, coastline of India there is rain everywhere,” Ravi Shastri said.
Wasim Akram avoided the controversial topic and said that it is frustrating for the fans and players but it is not their job to criticize the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
“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 criticising a lot of people regarding the Asia Cup but this decision has been made. There is no point criticising 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,” Wasim Akram said.
In the fourth Super Fours match of the Asia Cup 2023, India will play against Sri Lanka on Tuesday (September 12th).