"Tri-nation series is an amazing event": Aakash Chopra before IND vs BAN 2nd T20I.
New Delhi [India], October 9: Former cricketer Aakash Chopra expressed his views on the upcoming second T20I in the three-match series between India and Bangladesh, suggesting that tri-nation T20I and ODI series could be more beneficial than bilateral series. He noted that bilateral contests sometimes fail to provide satisfactory results for broadcasters.
As India prepares to face Bangladesh at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday, they aim to secure the series, having already taken a 1-0 lead following a seven-wicket victory in the first T20I in Gwalior.
Chopra commented, "You are not challenged enough in bilaterals at times. Let’s be honest, whichever team comes to India plays ordinary cricket. So, could we reintroduce tri-nation or quadrangular series? Currently, there is no existential crisis because the broadcasters are paying for the matches."
He further described the tri-nation series as a "fantastic thing," adding, "However, there will come a time when broadcasters may express concerns about not receiving sufficient returns on their investment, especially since matches can lack competitiveness. Sometimes, your team wins in just 10 overs, even without your key players."
Chopra concluded that cricket boards must be more generous in sharing revenue: "How can this be achieved? First, the boards will need to be more flexible in sharing the money. The global economy is shifting, and leagues are gaining dominance. It’s time to make space for each other and return to tri-nation series."
Historically, India and Bangladesh have clashed 15 times in T20I matches, with India holding a significant advantage, winning 14 of those encounters. In terms of recent performance, India has secured victories in their last five T20I matches, while Bangladesh, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, has managed only one win in their last five outings.
This year's 17th edition of the Indian Premier League featured five matches at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, with teams scoring over 200 runs in eight of the ten innings. The upcoming match is anticipated to be high-scoring, with clear weather expected at the venue and some dew anticipated later in the game, according to ESPNcricinfo.