Virender Sehwag slams poor scheduling of India’s Asia Cup matches, says it gives Pakistan an advantage

Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag has slammed the shocking schedule at the Asia Cup where they are scheduled to play ODIs on back-to-back days on September 18 and 19. Defending champions India will face arch-rivals Pakistan on September 19 in their second match of the 2018 Asia Cup. Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag on Wednesday said India should not play the tournament.

“I am really shocked to see the scheduling. Which country plays back-to-back cricket matches these days? There was a gap of two days between the T20 matches in England and here you are playing ODIs under hot Dubai weather and that too without a break. So, I don’t think this is a correct scheduling,” Sehwag told IndiaToday.

“There shouldn’t be any back-to-back games. If the BCCI had to cancel anything then it should have been the qualifier game in the Asia Cup rather than reducing the four-day practice match against Essex to three days,” Sehwag further added.

He further added that if India loses that match, there could be a problem as everyone is very passionate whenever we play against Pakistan. “We always want India to win against Pakistan but if the Indian players are tired then Pakistan will definitely have the advantage.”

Talking about the tournament, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan are confirmed participants, with the remaining spot still up for grabs amongst hosts UAE, Singapore, Oman, Nepal, Malaysia and Hong Kong. All teams will be placed in two groups of three and the top two teams will qualify for the Super 4. The final will be played on September 28.