New Delhi:
Criticizing the decision to have a reserve day for the Asia Cup Super Four match between India and Pakistan, former Sri Lanka captain Arjun Ranatunga said here on Friday that changing the rules to target one or two teams would put cricket at risk. Asia Cup 2023 did not have a reserve day for any match but a reserve day provision was added for the Super Four stage match played between India and Pakistan in Colombo. The result of this match was also announced on the reserved day. The decision to have a reserve day for just one match disappointed many.
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Speaking to select reporters here, Ranatunga said in a questioning tone, ‘You take the Asia Cup. Before the tournament you have the rules, but before that one match (India vs Pakistan) they changed the rules. Where is ACC (Asian Cricket Council)? Where is I CC (International Cricket Council)? Ranatunga said that changing the rules of the tournament to suit one or two teams would put the game at risk. He criticized ICC and ACC for maintaining silence on the issue.
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‘When you have a tournament where you change the rules for the team, I’m not very comfortable,’ the World Cup-winning captain fumed. Due to which there will be a lot of loss in future. He said, ‘I am very sad for ICC and ACC because they (officials) just want to stay in office. Former cricketers also refrain from saying anything on the issue as it will affect their earnings.
Ranatunga quipped that he would not be surprised if India’s World Cup match against Pakistan in Ahmedabad gets a reserved day. He said, ‘I won’t be surprised if they change the rules before the India-Pakistan match (in the World Cup). The ICC will keep its mouth shut and say ‘OK, do this’. ICC just talks nonsense, nothing under its control.