Dhawan critical of back-to-back fixtures

Dubai - After surviving a Hong Kong scare, India were back at the stadium 16 hours later for the explosive game against Pakistan

The schedule for the Asia Cup has come in for a bit of flak and has been the talking point in the run-up to the competition and even during it.
It first started with big daddy India refusing to travel to Abu Dhabi for their Super Four fixtures even if they ended up as Qualifier 2. Hence, the tweak was made so that India will play all their matches in Dubai without having to make that 90-minute 150-km road trip.
And on the eve of the lip-smacking India-Pakistan encounter, Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed was clearly not happy with that change as it affected his team.
With Pakistan in the same group as India, it is Pakistan who would have to make the sojourn to the UAE capital for their Super Four matches against Afghanistan and Bangladesh on Friday and Wednesday respectively.
"As you said, even if India lose, they will play all their matches here. Travelling is an issue because if you are travelling for one and a half hours between matches, it is a bit difficult," Sarfraz had said.
"And if you are travelling in such weather and you have to play a game the next day, I think it should be even for all the teams, whether they are India are Pakistan. If there are matches in Abu Dhabi, all the teams should play one or two matches there. But I don't know what the ACC has done about this. I haven't spoken to the ACC about it but such matters are handled by the PCB," he had added.
And Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan, who scored a century against Hong Kong at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, was critical of the schedule.
After India managed to escape against Hong Kong, a little before midnight, they were back at the Stadium 16 hours later for the explosive game against Pakistan.
"The ideal situation would have been to have a break and then play," said Dhawan.
But Dhawan said it is what it is and as international cricketers, they have to deal with back-to-back fixtures.
"We all are humans, you know and we get tired as well. But, at the same time, we are quite strong enough and it is mind over matter. These things come and go," the 32-year-old added.
Meanwhile, Dhawan spoke in glowing terms about debutant Khaleel Ahmed and said that the 20-year-old has what it takes to succeed at this level.
The left-arm pacer took three wickets against Hong Kong as India won by 26 runs.
"The first match for any player is very important. There is a bit of nervousness, a bit of pressure. It is a dream for a cricketer to play for India one day. When he gets the first opportunity, that's a different pressure altogether and when you do well, you feel extra happy. And Khaleel did really well. He has got the skill and I hope that he makes full use of his skill and with time and experience, he would become more mature," Dhawan said.
james@khaleejtimes.com

• Asia Cup 2019