Desk Report:
If only a little bit of the controversy that is going on outside could be seen on the field! The India-Pakistan match is still a ‘classic’ match, as fans are waiting to see it. What happened in the group stage match in the Asia Cup cannot be called a classic. Rather, it is better to forget it. But where can the controversy be forgotten? Will India-Pakistan be able to put that controversy aside and present the beauty of the field today? The duel between the two arch-rivals in the Super Four will start at 8:30 pm at the Dubai International Stadium.
Although India-Pakistan is always surrounded by controversy. This match was no exception. According to the Asian Cricket Council schedule, Pakistan was supposed to hold a press conference in Dubai at around 8 pm Bangladesh time yesterday. They canceled it. However, they did practice for 3 hours straight later. Earlier, Salman Ali Agar’s team also canceled the pre-match press conference against the United Arab Emirates.
Pycroft’s name has been confirmed as the match referee today. He was also in the group stage match. In the match held last Sunday, the Indian players did not shake hands with the Pakistani players. Due to this controversy, the Pakistan Cricket Board accused the match referee Andy Pycroft of bias.
The situation was considered to have calmed down a lot when the ICC met with Pycroft and the Pakistani coach, captain, and team manager. The PCB also claimed that Pycroft apologized to them. But at the end of the day, the situation did not calm down.
Regarding the way to hide his players from the controversy going on outside, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav said in a press conference yesterday, ‘Close the door to your room, turn off the phone and sleep. I think this is the best way. It is easy to say, but sometimes it is difficult to follow.’
There is no alternative to this for Sury, ‘What you want to hear, what you want to keep in your mind, is completely up to you… I have told the boys everything clearly. I think that to do well in this tournament and move forward, you have to stay away from the outside noise. And you have to take only what is good for you.’
India won the group stage match by 7 wickets. Pakistan failed to impress in both batting and bowling. Wins against Oman and the United Arab Emirates took them to the Super Four. But batting remains a cause for concern. Opener Sayem Ayub, for example, has not been able to open the scoresheet in three matches. Although he has been doing well with the ball. This time too, both teams are relying on their spin attack.
