Rain Forces Abandonment Of Islamabad United Vs Quetta Gladiators

The second fixture of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine in Rawalpindi, pitting Islamabad United against Quetta Gladiators, had to be called off due to relentless heavy rainfall in the region. The scheduled match, slated to kick off at 7:00 pm with the toss scheduled half an hour earlier, faced insurmountable obstacles as the Pindi Cricket Stadium’s ground remained under covers, featuring numerous potholes on the outfield.

In response to the adverse conditions, both the Islamabad and Quetta teams made the decision to stay put in their respective hotels rather than making their way to the stadium. This cancellation mirrored the fate of the earlier match in the day, where Lahore Qalandars and Peshawar Zalmi also saw their encounter abandoned due to the inclement weather.

Read more: PSL 9 Double-Header Faces Potential Rain Threat

Rawalpindi and Islamabad experienced heavy rainfall on the preceding day as well, setting the stage for challenging playing conditions. A Meteorological Office representative revealed forecasts predicting rain accompanied by thunderstorms for Saturday and the ensuing days, with Saturday anticipated to bear the brunt of the adverse weather conditions.

Despite the formidable weather challenges, Pindi Stadium has traditionally been a magnet for large crowds during international matches and PSL fixtures, fostering a festive ambiance that lingers in memory. In anticipation of the nine matches it is slated to host over the next ten days, approximately ten thousand temporary seats have been added to the stadium, attesting to the enduring popularity of cricket in the region.