There are no pros; only cons: Abhinav Mukund

Tamil Nadu opening batsman and captain Abhinav Mukund has slammed the BCCI following their ploy of playing all matches in neutral venues. The Board had taken a decision to play all matches in neutral venues given the recent issues they have had with the ‘Home Advantage’ posters.

While there were a few who did indeed slam this such as Sunil Joshi and others, Mukund has gone on to say, as reported by Cricbuzz, that match referees have come up and asked the players for match balls. He also went on to add that not having balls in the box was something unacceptable.

“First of all, every association has to provide balls. But I have to address the issue of match balls before every game. In every game, umpires and match referees have come to us and have asked us for balls. I mean, I cannot have such a problem in a knockout game. In a Ranji Trophy semifinal, if you come and tell me (before the match), there are no balls in the ball box, I simply don’t understand that.

Mukund also went on to add a few words on the wickets that are being prepared for the matches. “No one actually gives a damn about the wickets that are being prepared. Everyone’s playing safe, which is why people are scoring more than 1000 runs, and I don’t see many spinners coming into play. I don’t like this concept mainly because of the fact that there’s no continuity. You play throughout the year in one condition ­ it’s really important to play at home.

“I don’t like this concept mainly because of the fact that there’s no continuity. You play throughout the year in one condition ­ it’s really important to play at home,” he said.

He also added that many players who have made their debut in the current Ranji Trophy season have not had a chance to play in Chepauk. “These are the kind of things you grow up with as a cricketer. So many cricketers who have made their debut for us this year haven’t played at Chepauk. Playing at home has always been a big thing for me.”