The ACC’s decision comes in light of the uncertain weather patterns currently affecting Sri Lanka. While this exclusive reserve day has been allocated for the India-Pakistan match, it’s essential to note that other Super Four matches will not have the same provision.
In practical terms, this means that if adverse weather, such as rain, interrupts the marquee India-Pakistan match on September 10th, the game can be continued from where it left off on the following day, September 11th.
The ACC stated, “A reserve day has been incorporated for the Asia Cup 2023 Super 4’s match between Pakistan and India scheduled to take place on 10th September 2023 at R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo. If adverse weather suspends play during the Pakistan vs India game, the match will continue on 11th September 2023 from the point it was suspended.”
It’s worth mentioning that the Asia Cup final, set for September 17th, already had a reserve day included in its scheduling due to concerns about heavy rains in the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo. In case of unfavorable weather conditions impacting the final, spectators can retain their match tickets, which will remain valid for the reserve day.
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Notably, Zaka Ashraf, Chairman of the PCB Management Committee, had previously written to ACC Chairman Jay Shah, requesting compensation. The PCB claimed to have suffered significant financial losses due to poor crowd attendance at matches held in Sri Lanka.
The high-profile India-Pakistan group league match had to be abandoned due to persistent rain after the conclusion of India’s innings, during which they scored 266. While the ACC is unlikely to grant any compensation to the PCB, the introduction of a reserve day can be seen as a reasonable compromise amid growing tension between the continental body and the tournament hosts.
