Ravi Shastri breaks silence on 2023 Asia Cup’s scheduling with rain continuing to frustrate

Ravi Shastri (source-Twitter)

The Indian cricket team and Pakistan cricket team were frustrated yet again on Monday. There was more rain in store as the reserve day got off to a slow start as persistent drizzle kept the pitch under covers. India had played 24.1 overs on Sunday before the rains came down to stop play from further taking place. The match moved into its reserve day and the start of the day was delayed by 90 minutes. This led to the fans asking questions about the scheduling of the tournament.

The former Indian coach, Ravi Shastri is known to pull no punches when he makes a point. Shastri was speaking to Star Sports India when he was asked if the tournament could have been held in Dubai. The last two Asia Cups in 2018 and 2022 were held in the UAE.

Ravi Shastri makes his stand clear on the scheduling of Asia Cup 2023

Ravi Shastri in his own way said “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” The former Indian coach also said that the entire world was witnessing rain at this time of the year. Shastri continued and said “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,"

Former Pakistan captain, Wasim Akram understood the frustrations of the fans. the former left-arm pace legend though defended the scheduling and choice of venue. Akram while speaking to Star Sports India said that the debate about the venue can be done later and this isn’t the time for it. Wasim Akram said “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”