Greenshirts on a roll

Pakistan’s winning run in the Asia Cup continues. Having convincingly beaten Nepal in the first round of the tournament and then dominating India in the rain-drawn game, Greenshirts outclassed Bangladesh in their first match of the Super 4 stage at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore on Wednesday. They have now to play India (on 10^th September) and Sri Lanka (on 14^th September) and are the hot favourites to reach the final, based on their performance in all departments of the game: their bowling, especially their trio of pacers, is fearsome; their batting pretty consistent; and their fielding much improved.

While some exciting cricket is on the cards in the tournament ahead — specially the traditional rivalry between Pakistan and India which can come face to face twice, depending upon the results — Sri Lankan weather unfortunately threatens to play spoilsport. The ICC has decided to stick to Colombo as venue for the remaining four matches of the Super 4 stage as well as the final, even though the Sri Lankan capital is forecast to receive rain for the next 10 days as well as on 17^th September when the tournament’s final is scheduled.

This is where the ICC — dominated by the Indian cricket board which accounts for the bulk of the total revenue — has come under criticism. When, in the wake of India’s refusal to play in Pakistan, it was decided to organise the tournament under a hybrid model, the PCB suggested the UAE as an alternate venue. However, an India-influenced ICC chose Sri Lanka despite the island being rain-prone in this part of the year. Good news though is that Team Pakistan will qualify for the final even if all the remaining matches of the Super 4 stage experience a total washout. In the meanwhile, let’s pray for the rain to go to Spain — from Sri Lanka.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 8^th, 2023.

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