The ICC Champions Trophy match between Afghanistan and Australia at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore was washed out due to a poor drainage system after just 30 minutes of rain during Australia’s chase. Despite attempts by the ground staff to dry the field using mops and sponges, the surface remained unplayable, leading to the match’s cancellation after a wait of over an hour. This marked the third match affected by rain in the tournament, prompting criticism on social media regarding Pakistan’s inadequate facility for hosting such events. Australia advanced to the semi-finals, while Afghanistan’s chances dimmed.
The Afghanistan vs Australia match at Pakistan’s Gaddafi Stadium for the 2025 Champions Trophy was unfortunately called off due to a substandard drainage system. Rain began to fall during Australia’s chase and persisted for about 30 minutes. Regrettably, this was enough to overwhelm the ground’s inadequate drainage, forcing officials to abandon the match after waiting over an hour. Despite the concerted efforts of the ground staff, including the use of mops and sponges, the field remained too waterlogged for play to resume.
Social media was rife with criticism from fans directed at Pakistan for the venue’s ineffective drainage system. Notably, this was the third out of ten matches in the tournament that was disrupted by rain.
This is so embarrassing
You are hosting a tournament after so many times, and this is just stupidly
Where are the ones who troll India for that, and now this is how we are doing shameful #ChampionsTrophy2025#AFGvsAUS
— Hanan (@MalikSahaab_001) February 28, 2025
Such a pathetic drainage system.
Pakistan is hosting an ICC tournament and their premium ground couldn’t handle 30 mins rainfall.
How is it acceptable?
Disgusting.#AUSvsAFG
— Classic Mojito (@classic_mojito) February 28, 2025
When you have covers but don’t have brain and still want to host ICC events #AFGvsAUS #ChampionsTrophy2025 #MSDhoni #IPL2025 #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/BvxaYjWAs7
— Aaliya (@Aaliyaarehman) February 28, 2025
Play could not start at Pakistan’s Gaddafi Stadium after just 30 minutes of rain. #AFGvsAUS
Efforts were being made to dry the field with sponges at Pakistan’s Gaddafi Stadium, but the Afghanistan vs Australia match was cancelled due to rain as the field did not dry.
Australia… pic.twitter.com/9ckthUtpOd
— CricVipez (@CricVipezAP) February 28, 2025
Australia advanced to the semi-finals of the 2025 Champions Trophy after their last Group B match against Afghanistan was abandoned. The rain began during Australia’s chase, and by the time it subsided, the field was too wet for play to resume. Consequently, Steve Smith’s team shared points with Afghanistan, accumulating four points, which secured their spot in the next round.
Conversely, Afghanistan is left with only a slim chance. They will need England to achieve a significant victory over South Africa to reach the semi-finals.
Prior to the rain, Travis Head had played a rapid inning, scoring 59 not out off 40 balls, helping Australia reach 109 for 1 in 12.5 overs in pursuit of 274. Earlier, Sediqullah Atal (85) and Azmatullah Omarzai (67) contributed valuable fifties as Afghanistan made 273 all out in 50 overs after opting to bat first. Ben Dwarshuis claimed three wickets for 47 runs, while both Spencer Johnson and Adam Zampa recorded two wickets each.
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