Aakash Chopra is still unwilling to favor Japan for international cricket matches.
Some days ago, Indian cricket expert and commentator Aakash Chopra was suspicious about the Suzuki Cup. The historic one-off match did not strike confidence in him owing to the quality of their pitch. While the 5-over game went well, Chopra has put forward a fresh complaint. This time he believes that the pitch was not entertaining enough.
The face-off between India and Japan was already delayed due to unforeseen circumstances. First, the match officials and Indian players arrived late due to traffic. Next, the outfield was too wet to start the match. Overnight rain due to Typhoon Dujuan had left the outfield unfit for play. The weather was great on match day with clear skies and a sunny climate. But the ground didn't dry quick enough to start the game on time. Moreover, officials also decreed that only 5 overs of action could take place instead of a full-blown 20-over game.
The worries are genuine, and Chopra raises an important point
It was pretty disappointing for the fans to face the delay in the first place. But their grievances were elevated due to the match being cut short. They had expected some powerful shots and all-round batting and bowling action from both outfits throughout 20 overs. Instead, all they got was a glimpse of the teams' true talent.
On account of these situations and the outcome of this one-off match, Aakash Chopra is unable to accept the feasibility of Japan's cricket pitches.
"As far as the pitch is concerned, it is a big challenge. Because the way it played and the match happened, started quickly and ended quickly, it almost went like a blur. But matches cannot be played on these types of pitches if you want to take international cricket to remote areas," he says, reacting strongly to the pitch conditions.
"It has to be played on better surfaces. It is not raining, but the ground is not drying up because you don't have a super sopper or the capacity to cover it. If you are playing an international match here, then it is just not good enough. This is a challenge that everyone will have to sort out."
Of course it is the first time Japan is hosting cricket events at such a scale. But that does not excuse the hosts from the fact that they might not be truly ready for international games on home soil. Besides, Japan's geography is also a major concern due to the regular threat from wet weather.
