“Aur Inko Asia Cup Host Karna Hai”: Fan Trolls Pakistan over 30-Yard Circle Debacle in 2nd ODI vs New Zealand

In a rare incident during an international cricket match, the 30-yard circle had to be readjusted by the two on-field umpires, a couple of Pakistani cricketers and a member of the ground staff at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium today.

Thankfully, a fault in the marking of the circle was detected within the first 10 minutes of the second ODI between Pakistan and New Zealand by umpires Aleem Dar and Rashid Riaz. What followed by the aforementioned individuals was making amends to the temporary markers placed on the ground.

The sequence of events at the venue was a source of embarrassment for the ground officials considering how such an error is unacceptable for a match of this stature.

Fan trolls Pakistan over 30-Yard Circle Debacle in 2nd ODI vs New Zealand

As much as the proceedings were surprising, photos and videos of the same going viral across social media platforms wasn’t surprising by any means. Resultantly, the same also ended up becoming a breeding grounds for memes and trolls.

A fan, in particular, took a dig on Pakistan’s keen desire of hosting Asia Cup 2023 when they can’t even ensure correctness around basic measurements with respect to a cricket field.

It is noteworthy that no cricket venue in the world has permanent markers for the 30-yard circle. These adjustments are a necessity because different matches are played on different pitches of a cricket ground.

No Clarity Over India’s Asia Cup 2023 Matches As Yet

Following another long series of events, Pakistan ended up getting the hosting rights of Asia Cup 2023. Scheduled to be played later in the year, the continental tournament often allures limelight primarily because of its host nation.

With India not willing to travel to Pakistan due to sour geopolitical relations between the two countries, the matter continues to be debated despite multiple attempts of negotiations between ACC (Asian Cricket Council), PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) and BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India).

Although one hopes for both sense and peace to prevail in the form of the Indian cricket team traveling to Pakistan for the first time since 2008, an alternative solution to the issue is all matches featuring India being played at a neutral venue. Readers must note that all other leading cricketing nations have played international cricket in Pakistan in the recent years.