Asia Cup 2018: Team India Set to Extend Stay in Dubai
Jan 9, 2019 at 3:43 PM
The Indian cricket team will extend their stay in Dubai till the end of the Asia Cup 2018, irrespective of where they finish in the event. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took the decision which means the players won’t be moving out before September 28.
However, six nations are participating in the tournament, which began on September 15th between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. India has been put up with arch-rivals Pakistan, and Hong Kong in group A. On the other hand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan will fight it out among themselves in the other group.
Team India will be led by Rohit Sharma, in the absence of regular skipper Virat Kohli. The 29-year-old has been rested to manage the work-load. Kohli is carrying a slight injury, and the management didn’t want to risk the prolific-scorer.
It will also be an opportunity for some of the other players to get into the limelight. Meanwhile, Ambati Rayudu is back in the mix after clearing the fitness test. He has been in good form and will look to contribute heavily.
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However, there has been a change in the schedule. As per the earlier one, India would have had to travel to Abu Dhabi to play the two matches, if they lose to Pakistan on September 19. indian cricket team captain list
BCCI calls the shot
However, with the new schedule, India will remain as Qualifier 1 while Pakistan are expected to be the other side in the mix. Pakistan will now have to travel to Abu Dhabi to play both their Super four games in the Shaikh Zayed Stadium.
“It is a BCCI tournament, and we have the right to ensure we get most out of it. The capacity of the Dubai stadium is approximately 55,000, way more than Abu Dhabi. We are expecting at least 35,000 for India games if not a jam-packed house for the Indo-Pak games. There is no hidden agenda” a source close to the BCCI said.