Last week, the scheduled to Asia Cup 2018 was revealed and according to that, the much-awaited clash between India and Pakistan is scheduled to be taking place on September 19. But there was a malfunction in the schedule released with only the Men in Blue playing back-to-back matches in the league stage. This annoyed the BCCI as they termed the schedule as ‘mindless’ and demanded a change in it. However, the tournament organizers are now likely to postpone the encounter to September 20 which will allow Team India a day’s rest.
The tournament is scheduled to be commencing on September 15 with the game between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh while Pakistan will play their opening match the next day against the qualifying team. According to the schedule, the Men in Green will come into the high-octane clash after resting for two days. But the Indian cricketers will be tired after facing the challenge of the qualifying team before facing their arch-rivals.
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The BCCI wanted the schedule to be revisited and had clearly stated that it is totally unacceptable. As quoted in Circketnext, one of the BCCI officials said, “This is unacceptable and has to be revisited. Maybe for the organizers, it is just a money-spinning game but for us, it is important that there be equity in scheduling.”
According to the latest reports, the clash between India and Pakistan might be rescheduled to September 20 now. Also, the final league encounter between Bangladesh and Afghanistan is likely to preponed by one day as they play their first match on September 15 and 17 respectively. It won’t be a problem for them as far as the gap between their two matches is concerned.
Though nothing is confirmed yet the possibility of the same happening can’t be denied. The fact that only India is playing on consecutive days hasn’t gone down well with the cricket pundits and fans. Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag was rather shocked to see the schedule and wanted Virat Kohli and his men to abandon playing in the Asia Cup.
