The PSL 2024 match between Lahore Qalandars and Peshawar Zalmi was hampered by rain. Here are the latest updates from Rawalpindi.
The match was slated to begin at 2pm local time, but was delayed by more than an hour as heavy rains and chilly winds lashed the city of Rawalpindi, forcing the groundstaff to keep the playing area covered.
4.10pm local time: The match has been called off.
At 3pm local time, the temperature stood at 16′ C, with a precipitation of 75 per cent according to Google, and wind speeds of 29 kph.
According to Google, the precipitation will continue to stay at 75 per cent until 7pm local time, putting paid to hopes of a full-length game. However, if the rain subsides, a shortened match might take place.
According to Accuweather, there is more rain predicted for the evening as well, with temperatures dropping to 7′ C.
At 1.50pm local time, the umpires confirmed an inspection for 2.30pm, even as rain from the morning had stopped. The covers continued to be on.
At 2.40pm, the captains Shaheen Afridi and Babar Azam were seen inspecting the area around the pitch. Coaches Daren Sammy and Aaqib Javed were also seen inspecting the pitch and speaking to the umpires.
Update 2 from Rawalpindi, covers being removed, umpires have inspected the conditions and there will be another inspection at 2:30pm PKT. No rain right now but weather doesn’t look good, there’s still a little hope of a shortened game between LQ and PZ. pic.twitter.com/MwXtZ1atm9
— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) March 2, 2024
Massive black clouds are getting over the Pindi Cricket Stadium and it has started raining in some parts of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Both the PSL games are going to be washed out today. #HBLPSL9 #PSL2024 pic.twitter.com/ttbn1Pg5v9
— Ahmad Haseeb (@iamAhmadhaseeb) March 2, 2024
That kind of day in Rawalpindi 🥶🌧️
📷: PSL pic.twitter.com/RI6USmkyJI
— Sport360° (@Sport360) March 2, 2024
At 3pm, things seemed brighter than before, but five to ten minutes later, a fresh burst of rain pushed back the progress further. With the fresh batch of rain pouring over the stadium, it could be difficult to get a game out of it.
Lahore Qalandars are currently languishing at the bottom of the points table, having lost six games in a row. Peshawar Zalmi are currently third, with three wins out of five matches.
The cut-off time for a game to happen is 4.47pm.