First ODI between Pakistan and Sri Lanka called off due to rain in Karachi

Rain delays toss in first ODI between Pakistan, Sri Lanka.

KARACHI (Dunya News) –The match has been called off owing to heavy rainfall in the first one-day international (ODI) match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka which was ought to mark the historic return of cricket in the country. 

Umpires called off the match and the remaining two ODIs will be played in Karachi on Sunday and Wednesday.

Karachi has not hosted a one-day international since January 2009 when Sri Lanka played two back-to-back matches at the National Stadium.

The pitch of the National Stadium Karachi was under cover owing to heavy downpour in the metropolis and the toss was delayed.

Heavy showers began as soon the teams were whisked into the National Stadium under tight security in the afternoon.

Both teams were present at the stadium where the play was scheduled to begin at 03:00 PM on Friday. Karachi is hosting an ODI for the first time in 10 years today, furthering the country’s revival in international cricket.

The tour comprises of three one-day internationals in Karachi and as many Twenty20s in Lahore. Pakistan have put in place stringent security measures normally reserved for heads of state.

All the arrangements are being led by the Pakistan’s military, with around 2,000 security personnel on alert at the team’s hotel and at the ground.

The disappointment from spectators was palpable.

"I came... to celebrate the return of cricket in Karachi but it turned out to be a damp squib," said Abu Bakar, a school student who came to the stadium with classmates.

"It’s so sad," said Rubeena Ahmed, a bank employee in the stands. "I took half a day off to watch my favourite players playing a one-day match after such a long time."

Karachi will still host the remaining ODIs on the tour, with Sunday’s match rescheduled to Monday to avoid possible rain.

The two teams will also play three Twenty20 internationals in Lahore next month.

The latest series is an attempt by Pakistan Cricket Board to bring international cricket back into the country following the 2009 attacks.

Zimbabwe were the first team to tour in Pakistan for six years when they played two Twenty20s and three one-day internationals in Lahore in 2015.

That was followed by a World XI tour and home T20 matches against Sri Lanka and the West Indies.

For the current tour, Pakistan have put in place stringent security measures normally reserved for heads of state.

All the arrangements are being led by the country’s military, with around 2,000 security personnel on alert at the team’s hotel and at the ground.

But the security guarantee did not stop the withdrawal of several key Sri Lankan players, including regular ODI captain Dimuth Karunaratne as well as former captains Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal.

The tour was also put on hold after the Sri Lankan government received information of a possible terror threat, before an all-clear was issued last week.

Teams

Pakistan: Sarfaraz Ahmed (captain), Babar Azam (vice-captain), Abid Ali, Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Hasnain, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, Usman Shinwari, Wahab Riaz

Sri Lanka: Lahiru Thirimanne (captain), Danushka Gunathilaka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Avishka Fernando, Oshada Fernando, Shehan Jayasuriya, Dasun Shanaka, Minod Bhanuka, Angelo Perera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lakshan Sandakan, Nuwan Pradeep, Isuru Udana, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara

With inputs from AFP