KARACHI: The match has been called off owing to heavy rainfall in the first one-day international (ODI) match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka which was ought to mark the historic return of cricket in the country.
Umpires called off the match and the remaining two ODIs will be played in Karachi on Monday and Wednesday.
Karachi has not hosted a one-day international since January 2009 when Sri Lanka played two back-to-back matches at the National Stadium.
The pitch of the National Stadium Karachi was under cover owing to heavy downpour in the metropolis and the toss was delayed.
Both teams were present at the stadium where the play was scheduled to begin at 03:00 PM on Friday. Karachi is hosting an ODI for the first time in 10 years today, furthering the country’s revival in international cricket.
The tour comprises of three one-day internationals in Karachi and as many Twenty20s in Lahore. Pakistan have put in place stringent security measures normally reserved for heads of state.
All the arrangements are being led by the Pakistan’s military, with around 2,000 security personnel on alert at the team’s hotel and at the ground.
Teams
Pakistan: Sarfaraz Ahmed (captain), Babar Azam (vice-captain), Abid Ali, Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Hasnain, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, Usman Shinwari, Wahab Riaz
Sri Lanka: Lahiru Thirimanne (captain), Danushka Gunathilaka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Avishka Fernando, Oshada Fernando, Shehan Jayasuriya, Dasun Shanaka, Minod Bhanuka, Angelo Perera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lakshan Sandakan, Nuwan Pradeep, Isuru Udana, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara
