Rain Halts PSL Excitement: Islamabad, Quetta Share Points

In a setback to Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine, Islamabad United and Quetta Gladiators were left with a point each on the scoreboard as their Saturday encounter got canceled due to a wet outfield caused by continuous rain in Rawalpindi.

With this, Islamabad United now stands at fourth place with five points after six games, while Quetta Gladiators hold onto their second position with nine points.

Initially scheduled to commence at 7 pm, the match faced a delay as covers remained on the Pindi Cricket Stadium ground, which was marred by potholes due to heavy rain.

Both teams, Islamabad and Quetta, refrained from arriving at the stadium and remained at their respective hotels. This was the second consecutive match washout after the Lahore Qalandars and Peshawar Zalmi encounter suffered a similar fate.

Rawalpindi experienced heavy downpours, raising concerns over the possibility of further disruptions in the coming days, as warned by the Met Office.

Despite the anticipation of thrilling cricket, the inclement weather dampened the spirits of fans who usually pack the Pindi Stadium. With around ten thousand temporary chairs installed for the next nine matches, the stadium’s festive atmosphere was put on hold.

Historically, Pindi Stadium witnessed high-scoring encounters, but this year, the PCB aims to change the narrative by instructing curators to prepare pitches favoring bowlers as much as batsmen, departing from the “flat pitches” reputation associated with the venue.