The 2023 edition of the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup is set to be held in India. With the tournament scheduled to be held in October-November there have been concerns regarding the dew factor. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma backed the idea of Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin of starting the game early.
Keeping the dew factor in mind, R Ashwin had suggested that the World Cup matches could be started earlier to negate the dew factor. The Day-Night ODI matches start in India at 1:30pm IST. The Indian skipper said he liked the idea of starting the matches at 11:30am to overcome the impact of dew. Ashwin had made the suggestion for an early start while speaking on his YouTube show.
Backing his teammates suggestion, Rohit Sharma said, “I mean, it’s a good idea because you don’t want to.. you don’t want to compromise too much on the toss factor, it’s a World Cup. You don’t want to completely take that away.
“I like the idea of an early start. But I don’t know if it’s possible. The broadcasters will decide what time the games should start (laughs). But, ideally, you don’t want such advantages in the game. You want good cricket to be played without one having the advantage of batting under lights with the dew. Those are the things that are not in your control, but I like the idea of an early start,” stated Rohit Sharma.
Though the Indian captain did add that it was the broadcasters decision and they might the matches to start early as it might impact viewership. But contrary to what the skipper said, Ashwin backed his suggestion, stating that since it was World Cup matches, people would tune in to watch the matches. Watch the full interview on BCCI TV
“People will bring up television views and broadcasters and say that people won’t latch on and watch at that time. But would they not latch on to World Cup matches? The ICC knows very well that there will be dew, so let’s advance the game, and if we start at 11:30am, the dew factor won’t come into the game, and why not? Won’t cricket fans prioritize the World Cup and watch matches at 11:30,” questioned Ashwin.
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