"It is such a big deal" - Ravichandran Ashwin highlights why ICC can't shift 2024 T20 World Cup matches despite flood warning
Ravichandran Ashwin recently spoke about how certain fans have suggested that the ICC should consider changing venues of the 2024 T20 World Cup matches due to the flood warning in Florida. He pointed out why the apex council cannot take such a big decision in the middle of the tournament.
Ashwin mentioned that the Pakistani fans would be in favour of a change in venues, given that their Super 8 qualification chances depend on their last group match, which takes place in Florida.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin stated:
"I am careful not to become a keyboard warrior. Because it is very easy to say this, if we change the match to another place, all teams will have a chance. If I am a Pakistani fan, I will definitely say, change it to another place. What are you doing? Because I want my team to qualify. But there is another side. We don't see that side very often."
Highlighting the logistical challenges involved in moving the matches out of Florida, Ashwin added:
"For example, 2-3 cumbersome logistic issues. Firstly, if they want to change the venue, another venue has to be prepared. Another venue has to be prepared. Because wicket preparation is not ground preparation. It is in stadia. You can't ask, is this a big deal? Because, today, economic model is very important. In stadia means, you have to give sponsorship to the World Cup, to the ICC. All in-stadium rights would have already been sold to sponsors. With the money they sell, they give everything from prize money. That in-stadia has to be settled in another ground."
The veteran spinner emphasised that shifting the 2024 T20 World Cup matches to a different venue isn't as easy as it sounds, elaborating:
"Other than that, if there is a match in America, if you want to play a match in the Caribbean or somewhere else in America, hotel room booking has to be done. Each team needs at least 30-35 rooms. You don't have to tell me how difficult it is for countries like this. Other than that, flight tickets. Transfer a team and take them. Ticket sales at that place. Refunding tickets sold here. It is such a big deal. It is very easy to say."
With flash floods hitting South Florida, the remaining T20 World Cup 2024 fixtures at the venue have come under the threat of being washed out. Videos of water logging in the city have gone viral on social media, worrying several cricket fans.
Pakistan will be knocked out of the 2024 T20 World Cup if the match between USA and Ireland is washed out
The United States of America (USA) are set to take on Ireland at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground in Lauderhill, Florida, on Friday, June 14, in the 30th match of the 2024 T20 World Cup.
The USA are currently placed second in the Group A points table, having won two out of their first three games. If their final group fixture is washed out due to rain, they will end up with five points.
Pakistan have just one victory to their name after three games. So, even if they win their remaining match against Canada, they will still be knocked out in case of the aforementioned scenario.
For the Men in Green to still have a chance of making it to the Super 8 round of the 2024 T20 World Cup, they would have to win their match against Canada, while also requiring Ireland to trump the USA.