RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine match between Lahore Qalandars and Peshawar Zalmi was called off due to persistent rain and wet outfield today in Rawalpindi.
Covers were placed at the stadium after heavy downpour in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Earlier, they had been removed, after the rain had stopped briefly, as the ground staff worked on drying the field.
The cut-off time for the match was 4:47pm local time but the umpires decided that it was not possible to kick start proceedings before that time.
Both the teams had also reached the stadium after their departure from the hotel was initially delayed.
It must be noted that rain could play spoilsport as Rawalpindi gears up for a double-header today. Apart from Peshawar Zalmi vs Lahore Qalandars, Islamabad United vs Quetta Gladiators will also be played at Pindi Cricket Stadium.
There was heavy downpour in Rawalpindi and Islamabad yesterday as well.
Meanwhile, one of the Met Office officials when approached said: “Chances of rain with thunderstorms are likely for Saturday. Rain could pour in at any time during the next two days. Saturday could be the worst hit day.”
Pindi Stadium always provides a packed house when it comes to international matches or PSL engagements. Crowd presence here always makes the occasion festive and worth remembering at the venue. Around ten thousand temporary chairs have been installed at the Stadium for the nine matches which the Stadium will host during the next ten days.
Two of the highest totals — Multan Sultans scoring 262 against Quetta Gladiators and Quetta scoring 253 against Multan in the same match — in PSL history were scored at Pindi.
However, the PCB has decided to remove the "flat pitches" tag associated with the stadium this year as the cricketing body has instructed the curators to make pitches that would support bowlers as much as batters.
Faizan Lakhani Faizan Lakhani is Deputy Editor (Sports) at Geo News.
