PCB Faces Criticism Over Poor Ground Management as Rain Washes Out Champions Trophy Match

Rawalpindi: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has come under sharp criticism after the ICC Men's Champions Trophy Group B fixture between Australia and South Africa was abandoned due to persistent rain at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif was among those who raised concerns about the inadequate ground coverage, questioning whether the ICC funds allocated for stadium maintenance were used effectively.

The match was called off without a single ball being bowled as rainwater accumulated on the uncovered portions of the outfield, raising concerns about Pakistan's preparedness to host an ICC event after nearly three decades.

Kaif Calls Out PCB's Negligence

Mohammad Kaif took to social media, posting an image of the partially covered ground and criticizing the lack of proper rain protection. "It's a shame that the Rawalpindi ground isn't fully covered. Such an important match - SA vs Aus - might go down the drain because no one addressed this issue. Was the ICC money utilized wisely by hosts?" Kaif wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Match Abandoned, Points Shared

With continuous drizzle rendering the outfield unplayable, match officials had no choice but to abandon the game. Both teams were awarded one point each, which could significantly impact their standings in the tournament.

Renovation Delays and Concerns Over Stadium Readiness

Despite the PCB's claims of extensive stadium renovations, including upgrades at venues in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi, the latest incident has raised questions about whether the improvements were sufficient. The renovation deadline had been extended multiple times before completion, sparking concerns about infrastructure readiness for the global event.

Pakistan’s First ICC Event in 29 Years

The 2025 Champions Trophy marks Pakistan’s first time hosting an ICC event since co-hosting the 1996 Cricket World Cup. However, logistical and security concerns led India to play their matches in Dubai instead of Pakistan. The latest controversy over ground management further dents the nation’s efforts to reestablish itself as a reliable host for major cricket tournaments.

Future Matches at Risk?

With more matches scheduled in Rawalpindi, the incident has intensified scrutiny over PCB’s handling of venue management. If similar weather conditions arise, further disruptions could affect the tournament’s integrity, prompting calls for better contingency planning by the organizers.

As the Champions Trophy progresses, stakeholders will closely watch how PCB responds to these concerns to prevent further embarrassment on the global stage.