 Starless Afro-Asia Cup set for a low-profile start
4th Jun 2007 15:27 IST
Agencies
Devoid of some top stars, the second edition of Afro-Asia Cup cricket series is all set to begin in Bangalore on Tuesday even as weather gods pose a major threat to the battle of continents.
The series has already lost some gloss with star cricketers like home icons Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sri Lankan aces Chaminda Vaas and Muttiah Muralitharan of the Asian squad opting out of the tournament.
Tomorrow the women's Twenty20 tie will mark the opening of the tournament while the men's clash, to be played under lights, will follow next at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
This will be the first time that international Twenty20 matches will be held on the Indian soil.
But uncertainty prevails over the two matches with the met office forecasting thunder showers for today after a heavy spell of rains last night.
The two matches would be followed by the first 50-over ODI between the two continents on Wednesday before the scene of action shifts to Chennai for the last two ODIs to complete the series.
Withdrawal of top players is a big setback for the tournament even before the start.
While Asia have been hit hard with the pull-outs, Africa too are set to miss the services of Graeme Smith and top all-rounders Jaques Kallis and Andrew Hall. Besides, veteran South African Shaun Pollock has decided to play only as a batsman in the series.
However, the home fans will be encouraged by the presence of vastly experienced campaigners like Sourav Ganguly and Sri Lanka's Sanath Jayasuriya and the Mahela Jayawardene-led team should throw some tough challenge at the Africans in the ODI series that concludes on June 10.
continued.. |
