ASIA CUP 2018: Sarfaraz Ahmed raises question about favouritism for Team India

Sarfaraz expressed his displeasure as the schedule was tweaked to allow India to play all their matches in Dubai.

Team India will play all its Super 4 matches in Dubai | Getty

As the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided to host the Asia Cup 2018 in UAE in association with the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), the tournament was designed in such a way that every team would play at least one game at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium and the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

However, the BCCI sought for a little tweak in the schedule as they didn't want Rohit Sharma and company to travel for almost 90 minutes before and after the match. Subsequently, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) altered the schedule and ensured that India plays all its Super 4 matches in Dubai.

Observing the turn of events, Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed on Tuesday (September 18) expressed his displeasure over the special treatment provided to Team India by the ACC.    

 “If you look at the schedule, even if India lose pool match, they still play in Dubai. Travelling is an issue. If you have to travel 90 minutes and then play matches with a gap of a single day, then it is challenging,” Sarfaraz quoted as saying by PTI.

“I believe it should have been same for all the teams, irrespective of whether it is India or Pakistan. I don’t know what was Asian Cricket Council’s thought behind this. I think PCB is looking into the matter,” he added.

Reports also suggest that the BCCI decided against the shuttling of venues bearing the commercial conditions in mind.

“The Dubai International Stadium has a capacity of 25,000 which is 5000 more than capacity of Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. For India versus Pakistan or India versus Bangladesh games, it is expected to be packed to capacity. BCCI is only getting the gate sales and how can we compromise on 5000 seats,” a senior BCCI official told PTI on the condition of anonymity.

(With PTI inputs)

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 19 Sep, 2018

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