Day 1 of the first Test match of the two-game series between Pakistan and Bangladesh at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium has been significantly delayed due to a wet outfield.
Rawalpindi Stadium: Continued wet outfield prevents play
Persistent rain earlier in the day left several patches of the ground soggy, thwarting initial attempts to start the match. The umpires conducted a second inspection at 11:00 a.m. local time to assess the playing conditions. Unfortunately, the conditions did not improve as hoped. Despite the rain having stopped and sunshine making an appearance, the outfield remained wet. The damp conditions rendered the ground unplayable, leading to an early lunch break. As a result, the first session of the Test ended without any play being possible.
Fan outrage and Stadium conditions
The delay has led to considerable frustration among cricket fans, who have taken to social media to voice their concerns. Criticism has been directed at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for what many perceive as inadequate seating arrangements at the stadium. Photographs shared online show only a few temporary seats available, raising questions about the PCB’s preparedness. Additionally, the stadium’s drainage system has been criticized, as the outfield remained wet despite the rain having stopped hours earlier.
Here’s how Fans reacted:
Inspection pe Inspection. Sunny weather no rain since last night but still losing almost a day’s play due to wet outfield. Subhan Allah @TheRealPCB
— Taimoor Zaman (@taimoor_ze) August 21, 2024
Rain,inspection,wet outfield,rain,lunch,inspection, rain, tea break, wet out field, inspection, stumps https://t.co/4M1EUhhT43
— Ahmed.. 🇵🇰🇵🇸 (@nwgenerationX) August 21, 2024
Yeh Pindi walay bhai .. haar waqt Pindi stadium Pindi stadium kartey rehtey hain. Aik Duo wet patches tu dry kiye nahi ja rahey in se. #PakvBan #PakistanCricket
— Syed Ali Imran (@syedaliimran) August 21, 2024
There has been no rain for 4 hours and still the outfield is wet, and the PCB think they can host champion trophy. #PakvsBan
— ZAIB. (@imzaibktk) August 21, 2024
🚨 Groundsmen are on rest! Sun-shine is the only option left to dry the outfield of Pindi Cricket Stadium! #PAKvBAN pic.twitter.com/AIDnLRnq8x
— Arfa Feroz Zake (@ArfaSays_) August 21, 2024
Our stadium in pindi still doesn’t have a proper drainage system and they don’t even cover the entire ground before it rains… speechless #PAKvsBAN pic.twitter.com/reCQxpUirM
— Ibrahim (@Ibrahim___56) August 21, 2024
There is no rain in Rawalpindi for the last four or five hours, and Pakistan still can’t get the ground ready. Guess Mohsin Naqvi was right about the stadiums still being stuck in the 1980s.🤣#PAKvsBAN pic.twitter.com/5rxTy0wzJ7
— Kuch Bhi!!!! (@KirkutExpert99) August 21, 2024
the sun is at full bloom but no play possible for over 2 hours now, you got to have better drainage system than this for International cricket, this is complete negligence and incompetence. @MohsinnaqviC42 #PAKvsBAN | #PAKvBAN | #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/4INeSPgutz
— Ahmad Amin Khan (@AhmadAminKhan) August 21, 2024
Rawalpindi📍
• Pindi will turn into big numbers. They deserve better sitting even it’s a test match. #PAKvBAN #PAKvsBAN pic.twitter.com/jrKmtB4DjL
— Abubakar Bin Tallat (@AbubakarAbbasii) August 21, 2024
For an international stadium like this in Rawalpindi, the fact no cricket is currently being played in these sunny conditions is disappointing. Better drainage is a must.#PAKvBAN pic.twitter.com/APOBJY2gpB
— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) August 21, 2024
Aur inko champions trophy host krni hai …Ground players se sukha rahe hai 😂😂#PAKVSBAN pic.twitter.com/wIQ7mTUyXA
— Chinki (@Chinki___2004) August 21, 2024
Also READ: PAK vs BAN, 1st Test: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium Pitch Report, Rawalpindi Weather Report, Head to Head Record | Pakistan vs Bangladesh 2024
Pakistan’s new coaching staff and leadership
This Test match is a key fixture in the World Test Championship (WTC), where Pakistan currently holds the sixth position and Bangladesh is eighth, just above the last-placed West Indies. Historically, Pakistan has had a dominant record against Bangladesh, winning 12 out of 13 matches. The sole draw in their series occurred in Khulna in 2015.
The series also mark the debut of Jason Gillespie as Pakistan’s new head coach for red-ball cricket. The Australian legend steps in after Pakistan’s disappointing 3-0 defeat to Australia in their previous Test series. This series will be Gillespie’s first opportunity to shape the team’s performance and strategy. Furthermore, Shan Masood will lead Pakistan as captain for the first time in Test cricket, having been appointed during the previous series.
Future fixtures against Bangladesh
The second Test of the series is scheduled to commence on August 30, with Rawalpindi hosting this match as well. The PCB had originally planned for the National Bank Stadium to host these fixtures but had to relocate the series due to ongoing construction work. The venue adjustments are part of the preparations for the Champions Trophy (CT) scheduled for next year, adding to the logistical challenges faced by the PCB.
Also READ: PAK vs BAN 2024, Test series: Broadcast, Live Streaming details – When and Where to watch in Pakistan, USA and Bangladesh
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