Virender Sehwag tears into ACC after India-Pakistan Asia Cup 2023 clash washout

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has faced severe criticism following the disappointing outcome of the highly anticipated match between India and Pakistan at the Pallekele International Stadium in Sri Lanka, which was marred by persistent rain. Fans had hoped for a thrilling encounter between the arch-rivals but rain played a spoilsport and the match was called off after the first innings. India won the toss and posted 266 on the board, however, rain halted the game in the mid-innings break and never re-started.

3 things you need to know

• The Asia Cup 2023 match between India and Pakistan was washed out
• India scored 266 runs after winning the toss and electing to bat first
• Pakistan did not get a chance to respond as rain suspended the play

Also Read: Yuzvendra Chahal Visits Bageshwar Dham For Divine Blessings After Asia Cup Snub - WATCH

Virender Sehwag blasts ACC

Rain disrupted the eagerly awaited clash multiple times as India were attempting to set a competitive target. Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag took a subtle jab at the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) for the poor scheduling of the tournament. Sehwag humorously remarked, "Baarish ke time toh Chai Pakode rakhte hain yaar. Asia cup bhi rakh diya (During the rainy season, we have tea and fritters, but they decided to host the Asia Cup)."

Baarish ke time toh Chai Pakode rakhte hain yaar.
Asia cup bhi rakh diya. #BHAvsPAK

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) September 2, 2023

Initially, Pakistan was set to be the sole host for the 2023 Asia Cup, but due to political tensions between the two countries, the BCCI refused to send the Indian team. Consequently, a Hybrid Model was adopted, with the UAE being the front-runner before Sri Lanka was chosen as the second host.

Also Read: Asia Cup: Ex-CSK Player Takes Dig At Rohit Sharma Over His Dismissal In IND Vs PAK Match

India vs Pakistan, Asia Cup 2023

Batting first under cloudy skies in Kandy, India had a promising start with captain Rohit Sharma leading the way. However, left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi removed both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in successive overs following the first rain delay. After the second rain interruption, India lost their third and fourth wicket when Haris Rauf dismissed Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill.

Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya's remarkable 138-run partnership revived India's innings. They both reached their respective half-century milestones. India eventually finished their innings at 266 runs in 48.5 overs before rain struck again for the third time, eventually leading to the match being washed out. As a result, both teams shared a point.

Image: Instagram/Sehwag/Hotstar