Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif slammed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the lack of preparedness as rain washed out the ICC Champions Trophy Group B match between Australia and South Africa in Rawalpindi, failing to cover the entire field.
The match was canceled after the toss was postponed for over three hours due to heavy rain in Rawalpindi. Kaif posted a photo on social media shortly before the match was called off, revealing that the groundskeepers had not completely covered the area.
Mohammad Kaif criticised the hosts for their use of ICC funds for the eight-team tournament and called it a “shame.”
Taking to X, Kaif wrote, “It’s a shame that the Rawalpindi ground isn’t fully covered. Such an important match – SA vs Aus – might go down the drain because no one addressed this issue. Was the ICC money utilised wisely by hosts?”
It's a shame that the Rawalpindi ground isn't fully covered. Such an important match – SA vs Aus – might go down the drain because no one addressed this issue. Was the ICC money utilised wisely by hosts? pic.twitter.com/nPwthd1fji
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) February 25, 2025
Notably, after co-hosting the World Cup in 1996, this is Pakistan’s first ICC event in 29 years. India is playing all its matches in Dubai. Interestingly, despite several deadline extensions, the stadium renovations in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi were finished just a few days before the Champions Trophy.
Even after more than three hours past the planned start, the situation in Rawalpindi didn’t improve, leading the officials to call off the match.
It is worth noting that covering the entire playing area has proven beneficial in the past, as seen in the Asia Cup 2023. There were numerous instances during the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka when the ground staff covered the whole outfield, which helped them clear out excess water and get the match going quickly.
Because of a no-result game, the match ended in an unintended way as both teams shared a point. With three points and an NRR of +2.140, South Africa maintains its lead in Group B, while Australia comes in second with +0.475.
Australia and South Africa had both won their opening matches against England and Afghanistan, respectively. A victory in the match would have increased their chances of making it to the Group B semifinals.
Australia’s next match is against Afghanistan on February 28, and South Africa’s last Group B encounter is against England on March 1.
Hosts Pakistan are already out of the tournament after facing defeats against India and New Zealand.
