The first ODI between the hosts Pakistan and the visitors Sri Lanka was washed out due to the heavy rain. On the other hand, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to push back the second ODI for a day due to this weather.
On Friday (27th September), Pakistan and Sri Lanka had the schedule of first ODI of this three-match ODI series. National Stadium (Karachi) is hosting all these three ODIs of this series. But due to the heavy rain, the first ODI wasn’t possible.
Since the 2009 Lahore terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan national cricket team bus, it was the only second international game for Sri Lanka in Pakistan. In October 2017, Sri Lanka played a T20I in Pakistan.
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Also, it was the first ODI on the Pakistan soil since 2015. After 2009, this is the first time when National Stadium (Karachi) is hosting the ODI matches. Meanwhile, since 2009, it was also the first ODI for Sri Lanka on the Pakistan soil. But the rain washed out the entire hope on Friday.
Pakistan-Sri Lanka will play the second ODI on 30th September instead of 29th September
According to the initial schedule, they will play the second ODI of this series on Sunday (29th September) at the same venue. But, the PCB believes that it will be better to give one more day to the ground staff to prepare the outfield. So, after the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) accepted their request, PCB has rescheduled the second ODI one-day later on Monday (30th September).
According to the PCB statement, “The decision has been made in order to allow the groundstaff to prepare the Karachi National Stadium’s outfield for next week’s play, as heavy rains experienced during this week have left the outfield soggy. The grounds staff will require, at least two complete days to make the ground fit for cricket.”
However, they will play the third ODI on the scheduled day – 2nd October 2019.
In the meantime, the PCB will allow a full refund for all tickets of the first ODI or the ticket-holders can use it for the second or third ODI of this series. While the PCB has rescheduled the second ODI, the ticket-holders of 29th September can utilise their tickets on 30th September or 2nd October. However, the PCB will allow a full refund for all tickets of 29th September if they are unable to attend the other ODIs of this series.
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After this ODI series, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will involve in the three-match T20I series. Gaddafi Stadium (Lahore) will host all these T20Is. They will play the T20Is on 5th, 7th and 9th October 2019 respectively.