CALCUTTA (India): A reserve day is allowed for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final and the lack of one for the semis has been criticised by some former India players, with India captain Harmanpreet Kaur among those calling for change.
India reached their first women’s T20 World Cup final where they will play Australia after their last-four clash against England was washed out on Thursday, sparking calls to include reserve days in future events.
“India has been consistent throughout the competition. But there should’ve been a reserve day for the semis. I’m really feeling bad for England,” former India all-rounder Priyanka Roy told Khel Updates on Thursday.
With a minimum of 10 overs per side needed for a result and no break in the weather, the umpires called it off without a ball being bowled.
“It’s unfortunate we didn’t get a game, but they are the rules and we have to follow them,” Harmanpreet said on the ICC website. “Having reserve days in the future will be a great idea.”
Cricket Australia chief Kevin Roberts said he asked the ICC about adding a reserve day with the Sydney weather looking ominous, but the request was denied.
“We’ve asked the question and it’s not part of the playing conditions and we respect that,” he told Melbourne’s SEN radio.
Normally, five overs a side are needed to constitute a T20 match, but the rules are different for ICC tournaments.
“ICC didn’t keep a reserve day, and that’s disappointing. India will play in the final without winning the semis. Not playing the semifinal may hurt the team’s morale. The Indian women has performed well and the semis would’ve bolstered their confidence,” said Rumeli Dhar, who has played 4 Tests, 78 ODIs, 15 T20Is for India.
With no reserve day, the highest ranked teams from the two groups move into the final if play is not possible, putting India through.
Bengal women team’s chief selector Mithu Mukherjee, however, felt it’s wrong to blame ICC.
“It’s pointless to put blame on ICC. All participating teams were briefed on the tournament’s rules and regulations. The MoU copy was circulated to the all the teams. It’s understood that all the teams has had agreed on the playing conditions. Now why create such a fuss?,” said Mukherjee.
England captain Heather Knight had said before the match that “there will be a lot of pressure on the ICC to change” the rules.
“Really frustrating,” Knight said after the washout. “Not how we wanted the World Cup to finish for us. No reserve day, no chance of getting play.”
