‘India Shouldn’t Play Asia Cup’, Sehwag Claims Schedule Gives Advantage To Pakistan

ICC, on July 24, announced the schedule of the Asia Cup which will be played in UAE from September 15 to September 28

By: Karan Nanda |
July 26, 2018 4:09 pm

Former Indian batsman Virender Sehwag expressed anguish over poor scheduling for the upcoming Asia Cup in which Team India would be playing back-to-back matches, including the one against archrivals Pakistan. ICC, on July 24, announced the schedule of the Asia Cup which will be played in UAE from September 15 to September 28.

Expressing his anger, the former opener said that the schedule gives Pakistan an advantage as it will enter the clash refreshed after resting for a couple of days.

While speaking to India TV, Sehwag said that India should not participate in 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.”

Virender sehwag not happy with india scheduled for Asia cup and adviced team india not to play Asia Cup #AsiaCup 2018

— Indian Cricket (@indiacrickett) July 26, 2018

“We always want India to win against Pakistan but if the Indian players are tired then Pakistan will definitely have the advantage,” Sehwag added.

The 14th edition of Asia Cup will feature two groups with three teams each. While India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan have got direct entries into the tournament, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Nepal, Oman, Singapore and hosts UAE will fight for the sixth position.

Group A consists of India, Pakistan and the qualifier while Group B comprises of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super 4 round and two teams will then play the final on September 28 in Dubai.