KARACHI: The second One-Day International between Pakistan and Sri Lanka has been rescheduled from Sunday, September 29, to Monday, September 30.

The decision has been made mutually by the two boards to allow the ground staff to prepare the National Stadium outfield for next week’s play. This week’s heavy rains, including on Friday afternoon, has left the outfield soggy, with the groundsmen requiring, at least, two complete days to make the ground fit for cricket.

PCB Director International Cricket, Zakir Khan said that this week’s heavy rains have forced us to review the series schedule. I am thankful to Sri Lanka Cricket as well as our host broadcasters for agreeing to amend the match schedule to ensure there are no further abandonments due to rain in what is an important bilateral FTP series for Pakistan.

Heavy rain spoils first Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka ODI

Heavy rain in the metropolitan city spoiled the first one-day international match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka that was supposed to be played at the National Stadium on Friday (September 28).

Both the teams had arrived at the stadium to play the first match of ODI series. However, rain lashed out several parts of the city including those surrounding the national stadium. The weather conditions did not even allow the teams to take to the field for the toss.

On the other hand, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), while excusing the cricket fans, announced that the board will provide a complete refund for tickets under international rules.

According to PCB, it seemed impossible to play the match in the present weather conditions of Karachi as the pitch and the field both were dumped due to a massive thunderstorm.

“It became clear that it would be impossible for staff to drain out rainwater dumped onto the field by a massive thunderstorm that struck a couple of hours before the match was due to start,” said the cricket board in a statement.

The second ODI will be played in the National Stadium Karachi on Sunday.

News Pakistan