The one-off cricket one-dayer between traditional rivals India and Pakistan
was today called off without a ball being bowled due to inclement weather.
The handful of fans who had turned up at the Clydesdale Ground returned disappointed
as the umpires decided to abandon the game after an inspection at 2.00 pm (6.30
pm IST) citing "unplayable" ground conditions.
"It is absolutely soaking and there is no chance of play,"
umpire Mark Benson of England said.
There were intermittent showers right through the day and though the sun broke
out briefly, it was not enough to dry the soggy outfield.
"There was a lot of wind and sun this morning but there
cannot possibly be any play," Benson said.
"The problem is that the water table is very high and rain has accumulated
on the top. It is very slushy." The two teams, probably aware of the decision,
returned to their hotel at noon.
Prince Charles, for whose charity trust the match was
to raise funds, visited the dressing room of the two teams and interacted with
the players. Later, he also posed for a group photo with them.
India, who had arrived here from Belfast where they had defeated
South Africa 2-1 in a three-match series, would now proceed to England to play
three Tests and seven ODIs.
They start their series against England with a four-day fixture
against county club Sussex from July 7 at Hove.
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