PCB Secures Reserve Day for Pakistan-India Clash in Asia Cup 2023

Following the unfortunate washout of the last match between arch-rivals Pakistan and India on September 2 due to inclement weather, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken a proactive step to ensure that fans get to witness this highly anticipated showdown. PCB, in coordination with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), has successfully lobbied for a reserve day for the Pakistan-India match.

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Weather tracking websites have been predicting persistent rain in Colombo for the next 15 days, with a staggering 90 percent chance of precipitation on the day of the Pakistan-India clash. Recognizing the looming threat of another rain-affected match, PCB had repeatedly raised concerns and requested a reserve day for this pivotal encounter.

In response to PCB’s request, the ACC has decided to set aside a reserve day for the Pakistan-India match, scheduled for September 10, a Saturday. This strategic move ensures that cricket enthusiasts do not miss out on this high-stakes contest due to unfavorable weather conditions.

Under the new arrangement, if the match on September 10 is disrupted by weather and remains incomplete, it will resume on September 11 from the point where it was halted. Importantly, ticket holders who had eagerly anticipated the September 10 clash will have the opportunity to use the same tickets to witness the game on the reserve day.

However, the decision to allocate a reserve day is not without its challenges. If the Pakistan-India match extends into September 11, the Indian cricket team will face a unique predicament. With their next scheduled match against Sri Lanka set for September 12, the Indian team will have no practice day in between, adding an extra layer of complexity to their tournament preparations.

The decision to include a reserve day reflects the commitment of PCB and ACC to ensure that cricket fans get the opportunity to witness one of the most exciting fixtures in the Asia Cup 2023, regardless of unpredictable weather conditions. It also underscores the significance of this match in the context of the tournament, with both teams vying for supremacy in one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries.