Chances are high that the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2023 Group A clash might just get drenched at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. Pallekele has been witnessing downpours for a solid 48 hours now, and if the weather forecast holds water, things might get even wetter on Saturday (September 2), the very day when the IND vs PAK Asia Cup clash is set to take place. Disgruntled fans stormed social media to vent their spleen on the BCCI. Earlier, Sri Lanka Cricket Board extended a watertight solution by suggesting a switch to the dry haven of Dambulla, but BCCI refused the offer. Scroll down to catch a glimpse of fans letting off steam in the post.
With weather forecasts showing 91% chance of rain on Saturday, the prospect of the IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2023 match unfolding seems very unlikely. There’s a logic behind the scarcity of cricket matches in August and September – these months are synonymous with heavy rainfall.
Even the expert ground teams of Sri Lankan stadiums struggle to orchestrate a complete game. Pallekele, in its 33 ODI history, has witnessed merely three matches during August and September, painting a vivid picture of the Sri Lanka Cricket Board’s avoidance of hosting games in the peak monsoon period.
Also read: India vs Pakistan: Balagolla Rain to ruin highly-anticipated Asia Cup 2023 clash
What if IND vs PAK is washed out?
The silver lining lies in the fact that IND vs PAK match spans 50 overs, granting the ground crew ample time to give their all in orchestrating a potentially shortened game. Should circumstances become dire and the weather deities show mercy, fans might witness a 20-over showdown between the rival teams.
In the unfortunate scenario where even this option doesn’t materialize, India and Pakistan will split points. Pakistan, having already defeated Nepal – the third contender in Group A, secures an automatic slot in the Super 4 stage. Meanwhile, India will need to conquer Nepal in their group encounter to secure passage to the next round.
Editors pick
