Rain match PSL 11 between Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United was cancelled without bowling a single ball at the Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday because of heavy rainfall. The rain fell only a few minutes before the scheduled toss at 6:30 PM local time and it slowly increased, rendering the playing impossible.
The ground staff was also prompt in responding and they covered the pitch and worked so hard to dry it but they were unable to make the field playable. The game was actually cancelled by the officials, 30 minutes before the scheduled time when a minimum of five over game should have been completed. According to the rules of the tournament, each team had 1 point in common.
Although fans were disappointed with the washout, the points have an implication on the PSL 11 standings. Peshawar Zalmi earned a point that boosted them in the table whereas Islamabad United also earned a point to their score following their weakness in the previous matches.
Such matches that are affected by rain are not unfamiliar to cricket leagues and usually affect the momentum of a team. In the case of franchises that are fighting to qualify into the playoffs, a single point could be a difference. Even though the game can not be played, currently, teams move attention to their next matches and strive to compensate the lost chances and take the lead in the standings.
The officials stated that no postponement of this abandoned game was to take place. The two franchises will need to modify their strategies in the future, with the consideration of the common ground in this wash out. To the players and coaches, this would give them time to rest, train and be ready to take on the next challenges in PSL 11.
To the fans, the day was a reminder of the unpredictability of cricket and how weather could influence a tournament. Although there was no activity on the field, the standings are not fixed, and each of the upcoming games will have an even greater weight as the teams will struggle to make it to the playoffs.
