Bangladesh head coach Steve Rhodes has on Tuesday, 11th June, called for the inclusion of reserve days in the World Cup schedule after the third match of the ongoing tournament washed out in the last five days -most in the history of World Cup.
Rhodes’ comment came after Bangladesh were forced to split points with Sri Lanka following the abandonment of their match due to persistent rain.
While many don’t find it easy to allow the window in the schedule, Rhodes said there is enough gap for the reserve days as most teams at least have "two to three days" between matches.
Rhodes said at the press conference, “We put men on the moon, so why can't we have a reserve day, when actually this tournament is a long tournament. I know logistically it would have been a big headache for the tournament organizers. I know that it would have been difficult, but we have got quite a lot of time in between games, and if we have got to travel a day later, then so be it.”
He continued, “The games are spread out. I would say that it's disappointing for the crowd, as well. They have got tickets to see a game of cricket, and you know it would be up to them if they can get there the day after.”
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka was forced to share points for the second successive time in the ongoing World Cup, it was the second successive time that they were forced to share points, but the captain Dimuth Karunaratne said putting a reserve day in the schedule will be very difficult.
Dimuth signed off by saying, “If they could put a reserve day it would have been fine. But it's a major tournament and we're all playing nine games. I don't know if they can keep a reserve day for us. The next day you have to travel to a different venue, so it's not easy. If they can put a reserve day, though, it's going to be good for all the spectators and everyone.”
(With PTI Inputs)
