Probable hectic schedule awaits Tigers

Bangladesh will be happy to finish the group phase as the champion but a probable hectic schedule has come up as a worry for the side. 

The Tigers backed with a win will take on Afghanistan in their second and final Group B game in Abu Dhabi Thursday. They will target a win against the Afghans, and if that happens, they will have to travel to Abu Dhabi twice in the span of three days.

Finishing champion in Group B, Bangladesh will have to travel to Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi again Friday to face the runners-up side of Group A. With a day’s gap, the Tigers will need to travel to Abu Dhabi again Sunday and take on the Group B runners-up.

Abu Dhabi being located 139.2kms away from Dubai, the journey by the team have come up as a scare. The venue of the Asia Cup has hosted one match so far, a group stage match between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka Monday. 

Mushfiq likely to be rested against Afghanistan https://t.co/VvnMbN6how
The #Bangladeshi think-tank is mulling #resting wicketkeeper-batsman #Mushfiqur Rahim for the #Afghanistan game.

— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) September 18, 2018

It would not have been an issue if the matches were in a day’s gap, but Bangladesh or Afghanistan finishing first in the group will have to go through the ridiculous journey in the span of four days and play three matches.

Bangladesh head coach Steve Rhodes was tight-lipped in criticising the organising committee of the Asia Cup, but agreed that the journey will be hectic.

“You have made some valid points. But I don’t think it gets for me to criticise the Asia Cup committee. I think there are other people who can do it but you have made a valid point,” said Steve to the media Tuesday when the possible hectic schedule was put forward.

It is understood that the Bangladesh team management has approached the organising committee of the tournament. The Tigers’ management had requested for a hotel in Abu Dhabi, in case there is a scenario that they have to travel almost daily. 

@BCBtigers batsman Mohammad Mithun was very content as he played a crucial role in their winning start of the Asia Cup against @OfficialSLC Saturday.https://t.co/AV0jgN5YVf#BCBTIGERS #BCB #TIGERS #MOHAMMADMITHUN #MITHUN #MOHAMMAD #ASIACUP #CRICKET #BANGLADESH #ASIACUPCRICKET

— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) September 18, 2018

There was however, no positive feedback and hence, the arrangements cannot be changed. Compared to Group B, the teams in Group A are comparatively relieved from making journeys to and from Abu Dhabi. 

India, Pakistan and Hong Kong in Group A have played all their matches at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. 

The champion in Group A will have all their matches in Dubai while the runners-up will have to travel to Abu Dhabi only once, to take on the Group B runners-up, that apparently is, the last game of the second round. The final of the six-nation Asia Cup will be held in Dubai on September 28.