India unhappy with practice facilities in Birmingham

Photo: AFP New Delhi: India will lock horns with Pakistan in a high-voltage encounter on June 4 in the ICC Champions Trophy. But the battle seems to have already begun off-the field between the two sides. Indian team Management is reportedly unhappy with the facilities provided by the organizers. The Men in Blue were forced to practice at smaller venue whereas their arch-rivals Pakistan had a larger space to prepare for the crucial tie on Sunday. Indian team was supposed to practice from 10 am and when they came they were given a small ground beside the main Edgbaston stadium in Birmingham. Why India didn't get the main venue?  The venue manager's logic was Australia was practicing there at the same time in that ground and they have a match on June 2, Friday. Interestingly, Pakistan continued practicing at the bigger venue on Thursday. Why is India unhappy? Indian team manager Kapil Malhotra told the organizers that India could have delayed their practice had they been informed about the developments earlier and would have kept their practice in the afternoon. Since day light remains alright in UK till 7.30 pm during summer three teams can easily practice if it is properly planned. That was the logic of Indian team management. What is India’s stance now? India skipper Virat Kohli and team manager Kapil Malhotra spoke to the venue manager and demanded for a different ground but their demands were not met, leaving the Indian side disappointed. Miffed with the entire episode, Team India head coach Anil Kumble opted for a closed-door practice session ahead of the crucial India-Pakistan encounter. This move added to the already chaotic scenario outside Edgbaston. What now? Later on, the authorities were forced to abide by India’s demands. Virat Kohli and Co. was assured of the proper practice venue from Friday. India enter Champions Trophy as defending Champions and will want to leave no stones unturned to defeat Pakistan in the prestigious tournament.