The Indian cricket board has been asked uncomfortable questions regarding the scheduling of the Asia Cup.
Firstly, Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed expressed his disappointment at his team being asked to play their Super Four matches in Abu Dhabi while the Indian team gets to play their games in Dubai irrespective of where the teams finish in Group A after Wednesday’s clash.
“If you have to travel during matches for one and a half hour. It is difficult. And then train in this weather… It should be even for all teams. If there are matches in Abu Dhabi, all teams should play there,” Sarfraz had said on the eve of the India-Pakistan clash.
Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza joined the growing controversy, objecting to the way group standings have been decided even before the end of the opening stage.
“This morning we heard that we are already Group B runners-up regardless of whether we win or lose tomorrow. So of course it is disappointing,” Mortaza said after it emerged Afghanistan had become Group B toppers even before the clash against the Tigers.
It was believed that the winners of Group A and the runners up of Group B would end up playing in Dubai with the remaining two consigned to Abu Dhabi in the Super Four stage. But the Asian Cricket Council on Tuesday itself released a new schedule which showed India playing Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh in Dubai and the other three teams having to travel to Abu Dhabi.
However, a BCCI official revealed all this had been decided beforehand and that the participating teams had been informed about the arrangements before the Asia Cup started.
The BCCI official explained that it was imperative for India to play its matches in Dubai as they felt that was the best way to maximise revenue through the 40-plus corporate boxes at the Dubai Stadium and also ensure full crowds. The BCCI official stated they don’t believe they can generate that level of revenue in Abu Dhabi. “We have to make a profit on this tournament,” the official said.
It was because of this need to maximise revenue in Dubai that the scheduled was ‘made’ in such a way. And according to the BCCI official, the management of other teams knew the arrangements.
Interestingly, the Dubai ground on Tuesday was not even half full for the clash between India and Hong Kong.
