Sallu lambasts BCCI’s Asia Cup schedule change demand

Former chief selector says Indian board is acting unprofessionally

KARACHI: Former chief selector Salahuddin Ahmed Sallu has lashed out at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for demanding a change in the schedule for the upcoming edition of the Asia Cup.

The 14th edition of the tournament will be held in the United Arab Emirates from September 15 – 28, and arch-rivals Paksitan and India face off on September 19.

But the BCCI has demanded a change in schedule for the clash against Pakistan by claiming that the pattern of the fixture does not provide equal opportunity for both teams.

India will play their first match on September 18 and will play Pakistan the next day, whereas the Men in Green will play their opening match on September 16 and come into the game after a break of two days.

But former chief selector Sallu believes the BCCI’s demand is unprofessional. “They are a professional team and they should be able to play in all types of conditions and all types of weather,” said Sallu while talking to The Express Tribune on Friday. “It will be hot in UAE, but giving excuses like this that they will not be able to play back-to-back matches should not be acceptable.”

He added: “Pakistan team will have a two-day rest but India aren’t a small team. They are one of the top teams and have one of the best players in the world, so they should not act like this. If change is possible then it should happen but India giving these excuses is not acceptable.”