The Mumbai Schools Sports Association (MSSA) yesterday revoked its decision of awarding the Giles Shield semi-final to Rizvi Springfield (Bandra) and decided that the second day's play against Swami Vivekanand International School (Borivli)
SVIS coach Dinesh Lad
The Mumbai Schools Sports Association (MSSA) yesterday revoked its decision of awarding the Giles Shield semi-final to Rizvi Springfield (Bandra) and decided that the second day's play against Swami Vivekanand International School (Borivli) will be held on Sunday at Azad Maidan.
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However, SVIS coach Dinesh Lad was not happy with the decision to continue the match. "Since the venue has been changed, we want a replay," said Lad.
On Wednesday, owing to the widespread violent protests across the city, the SVIS outfit had refused to undertake the risky journey from Borivli to the Police Gymkhana in Marine Lines to play their semi-final against Rizvi. Consequently, the umpires awarded the match to Rizvi.
'Ground not available'
However, having come under heavy criticism from all quarters and following a written protest from SVIS, who stressed on the significance of their children's safety, MSSA yesterday held a meeting with its office bearers, match officials and the representative of SVIS.
"We wanted to continue the match at the same venue, but due to the Police Gymkhana's busy cricketing schedule, the ground is not available. Hence, the second day's play will be held at Azad Maidan on Sunday," MSSA cricket secretary Nadeem Memon told mid-day yesterday.
It's a disadvantage: Lad
Lad added, "The change of venue means we will be at a disadvantage because while they (Rizvi) batted on a flat track at Police Gymkhana, the conditions may not be the same for our batsmen at Azad Maidan."
On Tuesday, after being put in to bat, Rizvi posted 352 for three at the end of Day One of the two-day semi-final with one-drop batsman Mohit Tanwar batting on 211 along with Tejas Chalke on 101.
The winner will play Don Bosco (Matunga) for the title on January 8-10 at the Wankhede Stadium. However, it has to be seen what will emerge from this impasse.
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