First ODI between Pakistan, Sri Lanka called off

• Decision taken to allow the ground staff to prepare the National Stadium outfield for next week’s match
• The PCB will also allow refund of all tickets for Friday’s match

(Karachi) The opening match of Pakistan-Sri Lanka One-Day International (ODI) series at the National Stadium was called off due to heavy rain on Friday.

It was initially reported that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) would try its best to stage the match even if it had to cut down on a few overs. However, the state of the ground made it impossible for the ground staff to give match officials their go-ahead.

The stadium had puddles at various places, whereas the area near the boundary line was almost completely submerged. It was in 1988 when an ODI between Pakistan and Australia in Karachi was called off due to unrest amongst the crowd.

Meanwhile, the second ODI between the two teams has now been rescheduled for September 30 (Monday) instead of September 29 (Sunday).  The decision was made to allow the ground staff to prepare the National Stadium outfield for next week’s match.

PCB Director (International Cricket) Zakir Khan said, “This week’s unseasonal heavy rains have forced us to review the series schedule. I am thankful to Sri Lankan Cricket team management as well as our host broadcasters for agreeing to amend the match schedule to ensure there are no further match postponements due to rain.”

The PCB also announced that tickets sold for September 27 (Friday) will be valid for either September 30 or October 2 ODI, while tickets sold for September 29 (Sunday), match may also be used for either September 30 or October 2 ODI. As per the PCB ticketing policy for the series, the PCB will also allow refund all tickets for Friday’s match.

It has also been agreed that ticket-holders unable to attend Sunday or Monday’s match will also get full refunds. Tickets for Monday’s rescheduled second ODI will also be available online and on the dedicated TCS counters.