Kamal Ghorui
Heavy rain and strong winds forced the Pakistan Super League (PSL) match between Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi at Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday to be abandoned without a ball being bowled.The toss was delayed as the weather worsened, and the situation became difficult for the ground staff. Strong winds made it hard to hold the covers in place, with several members of the crew losing balance while trying to secure them. Some were seen falling as the covers were dragged across the ground.Videos of the incident later circulated on social media, showing the staff struggling to manage the covers in the rain and wind. At one point, two members fell while trying to stop the covers from being lifted.Rain started just before the toss, which was scheduled for 6:30 PM local time, and continued to get heavier. The outfield remained wet, and the pitch stayed covered, leaving no chance for play.Despite efforts by the ground staff to prepare the field, the match was called off 30 minutes before the cut-off time for a five-over game. Both teams shared one point each.With this, Peshawar Zalmi moved to three points from two matches, while United got their first point of the season. Zalmi moved up to second place, ahead of Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans, while United moved to sixth, ahead of Rawalpindi Pindiz.Zalmi will next face Hyderabad Kingsmen on April 8 in Karachi, while United will play Quetta Gladiators on April 4 at the same venue.
