Asia Cup cancelled, Ganguly says
Ex-Indian captain: People’s lives are more important than my birthday
Senior Associate Editor
The Indian board president Sourav Ganguly yesterday confirmed that this year’s Asia Cup has been cancelled in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Asia Cup has been cancelled,” Ganguly said during an Instagram chat. “It’s difficult to say which will be India’s first international series. We’ve done our preparations but we can’t do much till we know the government rules. We are not in a hurry because the health of players is of utmost importance. We are monitoring things monthly,” the former India captain, who turned 48 yesterday, added.
Even nearly 12 years after quitting the international arena, July 8 continues to be a conspicuous day in his own city Kolkata, but it’s a different scenario this year.
‘‘Under the circumstances, people’s lives and well being matter more than my birthday,’’ Ganguly, told the local media as he had to remain holed up at his home as the cricketing fraternity showered him with birthday wishes on social media.
Putting out various important cricketing landmarks of
Ganguly, the International Cricket Council (ICC) wrote on their official Twitter handle: “Third-fastest to 10,000 ODI runs. Holds the record for the highest individual score in CWC for India. 2003 ICC World Cup runner-up. Captained India to 11 wins in 28 overseas Tests. Happy birthday to one of India’s most successful captains, Sourav Ganguly.”
Off-field partnership
Sachin Tendulkar, with whom he formed the most profitable opening partnership in One Day Internationals for India, took to twitter to extend birthday wishes to the ‘Dada’ of Indian cricket. “Happy birthday Dadi! Hope our off-field partnership keeps going strong like our on-field ones. Wish you a blessed year ahead,” Tendulkar said.
“Many more happy returns of the day Sourav Ganguly. May you taste ever more success and receive more and more love. Have a great day and year ahead #HappyBirthdayDada,” said VVS Laxman, another member of the famous batting quartet.