India's Men’s Asia Cup and Women’s World Cup selections delayed; here's why

India Head coach Gautam Gambhir with Ajit Agarkar, the current chairman of the BCCI selection committee (PTI Photo)

With both the men’s Asia Cup and the women’s World Cup squads due to be announced on August 19, most sports reporters in Mumbai were expected to make a beeline for the Wankhede Stadium in Churchgate. But torrential rain and high winds that led to a red alert being issued has meant that the press conferences accompanying the squad selections are likely to be very delayed or postponed.

Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of selectors, and Suryakumar Yadav, the T20I captain, were scheduled to address the media at 1:30pm at BCCI headquarters. But soon after 11 am, the BCCI issued an update on its WhatsApp group. “Kindly note that the first press conference is expected to be delayed owing to weather disruptions,” it said.

The women’s World Cup squad was to be announced at 3:30 pm via another press conference, but that too is likely to be delayed though Smriti Mandhana has reached the venue.

WATCH: Suryakumar Yadav arrives at BCCI office for Asia Cup squad selection amid reports of delay in press conference

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has already declared a holiday for all government, semi-government, and BMC offices in the city. “Considering the red alert for very heavy rainfall in Mumbai city and suburbs, all government, semi-government, and BMC offices (excluding essential services) will remain closed today (Tuesday),” said the official statement from the BMC.

The suburban railways services are still running, but there are multiple delays on account of waterlogging in various places. Pictures taken from Dadar Station and other areas revealed that the tracks were nearly underwater. There are massive roadblocks too across the city as a result of the relentless rains.

The men’s selection meeting is expected to be a pivotal one, with those excluded unlikely to feature in the T20 World Cup on home soil next year. Among those uncertain of a place are Shubman Gill, the red-ball skipper, and Shreyas Iyer, who led Punjab Kings to the IPL final. It’s still not known whether the selectors and team management will go for a 17-man squad, allowed under Asian Cricket Council (ACC) rules. or stick to the 15-man roster that can be named for an ICC event.

India last hosted a women’s 50-over World Cup in 2013, when the team didn’t make it out of the group stage. For those like Harmanpreet Kaur, this tournament probably represent a last shot at a global title.