The toss has been officially delayed in the match between Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi at Lahore on 31 March due to heavy rain since the evening.
Not only was it just raining, but the winds were so strong that the groundsmen struggled to keep the covers in place. On social media a video went viral. They desperately were trying to cover the pitch, but the wind didn't let the covers settle. The situation went hilarious when the unfortunate groundsmen tipped and fell twice after the cover blew up and gushed on them.
Watch the video here:
Notably, it has been raining nonstop from Sunday to last night in Lahore despite a 10% precipitation in the weather update. However, at this time, the downpour has eased. A report from ESPNCricinfo said that there are still an umbrella or two. The field is wet, and there are puddles in the outfield. Not only that, the area beyond the boundary is still totally underwater.
Match abandoned without a ball bowled
The Pakistan Super League clash between Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium was abandoned without a ball being bowled on Tuesday after persistent rain and a violent thunderstorm made conditions unplayable. The storm struck shortly before the toss, bringing heavy showers, strong winds and hail, forcing repeated inspections before officials called off the fixture at 9:26 PM local time. Both sides were awarded one point each following the washout.
On the same day, the Pakistan Cricket Board also announced major disciplinary actions from earlier matches. Lahore Qalandars batter Fakhar Zaman received a two-match suspension for ball-tampering during the Karachi Kings game on 29 March. Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi was fined PKR 1 million for breaching security protocol at the team hotel. Islamabad United pacer Naseem Shah was handed a record PKR 20 million fine over a social media post that violated his contract by criticizing a politician.