“If adverse weather suspends play during the Pak vs India game, the match will continue on 11th September 2023 from the point it was suspended,” the statement read. A reserve day had been allocated, but only for the India vs Pakistan Super 4 match in the Asia Cup.

Venkatesh Prasad’s reaction

Among those who took issue with the ACC’s decision was Venkatesh Prasad. He was incensed, not holding back in his criticism of the council. “Absolute shamelessness” he declared, adding that the decision was a “mockery of rules” and “unethical”.

“If true this is absolute shamelessness this. The organisers have made a mockery and it is unethical to have a tournament with rules being different for the other two teams.

In the name of justice, will only be fair if it is abandoned the first day, may it rain harder on the second day and these malicious plans not succeed,” Prasad posted.

The former India cricketer questioned the statements of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka cricket boards and asked them why they had agreed on the “unreasonable demand”.

“What was the pressure to agree on this unreasonable demand, when you aren’t getting a reserve day for your own matches ? Why so much generosity to ensure India vs Pakistan isn’t washed out even if it costs your own team a chance to qualify. Can you please explain truly the intent and reason to do so?” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Social media reactions

As the ACC’s announcement echoed through social media channels and news outlets, a storm was brewing, both in the skies above Colombo and in the hearts of cricket fans and experts. Rain was threatening to disrupt not just the India vs Pakistan match but all the matches in the tournament. Check how netizens reacted to it.

Updated: 09 Sep 2023, 01:44 PM IST