New Delhi:
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been making headlines recently with the ongoing Asia Cup 2018 being the core matter of the topic of discussion. Recently Start Network and BCCI were making headlines as they reportedly had a rift due to BCCI’s decision of resting Virat Kohli for the Asia Cup 2018, and now the discussion has shifted to allegations made by other participating teams regarding ICC’s controversial decision to move reschedule India’s matches and fixing Dubai International Stadium as their home base for the Asia Cup 2018.
Start of allegations:
Pakitan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed started the row by putting allegations of Rohit Sharma-led India getting special treatment and stated that it was unfair for other participating teams due to the fact that India was playing all of their games in Dubai and does not have to travel at all. Sarfraz further said that Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) might take this matter to ICC. And now, Bangladesh’s Mashrafe Mortaza have shown his displeasure due to the re-scheduling of the Super Four Matches.
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However, BCCI have responded to the allegations and said some are unnecessarily exaggerating the re-scheduling and the ‘alleged’ favoured treatment.
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"The scheduling wasn’t done overnight," said an unnamed member of the Indian cricket board as quoted by the Mirror.
"Approvals from CEOs had been taken, which the Asian captains aren’t aware of. It’s conveniently forgotten that the Asia Cup was scheduled in India, but we had to play the tournament in Dubai owing to Pakistan. Everybody has to make adjustments,” he added.
Revenue Generation - a major reason?
The unnamed official further said that revenue generation was one of the major reason for the re-scheduling and India playing all of their games in Dubai.
He said that revenue generated by the Indian cricket team will be beneficial for the development of teams such as Afghanistan and Hong Kong as it will benefit the Asian Cricket Council to fund the associate nations for further development.
"It’s a no-brainer that Dubai is the place to maximize ticket sales. And India matches are huge money-spinners. There are 24 corporate boxes here. Whatever people think, revenue matters. How will the Asian Cricket Council fund for the development of upcoming teams such as Afghanistan and Hong Kong?"
The ongoing Asia Cup 2018 started from September 15 and the final is scheduled to be played on September 28 in UAE.
