The ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 hosted in England is facing a massive issue due to the weather. The India vs New Zealand clash was also abandoned due to rain in Trent Bridge. This was the fourth wash-out in this edition of the tournament, which is the most-ever in World Cup history. Before India vs New Zealand clash, the South Africa vs West Indies encounter, Pakistan vs Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh encounters in Bristol were hampered by the rain. The weather in the next couple of days is not looking great in England and there is a serious weather threat to the marquee India vs Pakistan clash in Old Trafford, Manchester on June 16.
The ICC came under fire after the game between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh on Tuesday washed out due to rain. This was the third game in this World Cup that had to be abandoned due to rain. Following the washout, Bangladesh coach Steve Rhodes expressed his frustration saying that "we put men on the moon, so why can't we have a reserve day, when actually this tournament is a long tournament." Rhodes said that there is enough time between the games and a washout is a big disappointment not just for the teams but for the fans as well.
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The number of washed out games has frustrated the fans on social media. However, the boiling point was reached following the end of India vs New Zealand game. Fans took their frustrations out on social media and #ShameonICC was trending. In this, the fans criticised the ICC for hosting the event in England and some vented their frustrations that the ground staff could not cover the entire ground when the rain warning was given in advance. Here is a sample of some of the tweets.
"I know logistically it would have been a big headache for the tournament organisers. I know that it would have been difficult, but we have got quite a lot of time in between games, and if we have got to travel a day later, then so be it. The games are spread out. I would say that it's disappointing for the crowd, as well. They have got tickets to see a game of cricket, and you know it would be up to them if they can get there the day after," the Bangladeshi coach ranted.
Reacting to the criticism, CEO of ICC governing body David Richardson said that having reserve days for every league game would have been a task extremely complex to deliver.
"Factoring in a reserve day for every match at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup would significantly increase the length of the tournament and practically would be extremely complex to deliver," he said.
"It would impact pitch preparation, team recovery and travel days, accommodation and venue availability, tournament staffing, volunteer and match officials availability, broadcast logistics and very importantly the spectators who in some instances have travelled hours to be at the game. There is also no guarantee that the reserve day would be free from rain either.
"Up to 1200 people are on site to deliver a match and everything associated with it including getting it broadcast and a proportion of them are moving around the country so reserve days in the group stage would require a significant uplift in the number of staff. We have reserve days factored in for the knock-out stages, knowing that over the course of 45 group games we should play the large majority," Richardson said.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Four matches has been abandoned in the 2019 World Cup.
- There are reserve days only for the semifinal and the final.
- The India vs Pakistan clash is also under threat from the weather.
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