The Champions Trophy 2025 match between Australia and South Africa was abandoned due to heavy rain at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, leading to criticism of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) arrangements. Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif slammed the insufficient ground covers, questioning the misuse of ICC funds. The match was called off before the toss, highlighting concerns about drainage and facilities for such a significant tournament. This situation raises issues for Pakistan as they prepare to face Bangladesh, with their tournament performance already disappointing—having lost both of their initial games and now on the brink of elimination.
The Champions Trophy 2025 match between Australia and South Africa was called off due to heavy rain at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, leading to more criticism for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The weather forecast in Rawalpindi raised concerns not only for this match but also for the South Africa vs England game. Additionally, worries grew over the inadequate covering of the ground despite the downpour. Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif criticized the PCB for the stadium arrangements.
On X, Kaif shared a disappointing image of the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, condemning the lack of proper preparations. He even questioned if funds allocated for stadium upkeep had been mismanaged.
“It’s unfortunate that the Rawalpindi ground isn’t properly covered. An important match like South Africa vs Australia could be lost because this issue wasn’t addressed. Were the ICC funds used effectively by the hosts?” Kaif tweeted.
The photo shared by Kaif displayed insufficient covers on the Rawalpindi pitch, with only the pitch and adjacent areas being protected.
It’s unfortunate that the Rawalpindi ground isn’t properly covered. An important match – SA vs Aus – could be lost due to neglect. Were the ICC funds used effectively by the hosts? pic.twitter.com/nPwthd1fji
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) February 25, 2025
The match between Australia and South Africa was canceled without a ball being bowled, with no opportunity for even a toss.
The cut-off time for a 20-over game was set for 7:32 PM local time. However, match officials decided to abandon the match nearly two hours prior to that deadline.
The inadequacy of ground coverage further places the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in a difficult position, raising concerns about the drainage systems for such a significant ICC tournament.
The situation in Rawalpindi also presents a troubling scenario for Pakistan, who are set to face Bangladesh there on Thursday. If that match is also washed out, Pakistan will finish their home event without a single win.
This is the first time Pakistan has hosted a major ICC tournament since 1996 when it last co-hosted the World Cup with India and Sri Lanka. Unfortunately, the PCB faced significant challenges in completing renovations of the three stadiums – Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, and National Stadium in Karachi – in time for the tournament.
Ultimately, all venues were reconstructed and renovated less than two weeks before the Champions Trophy 2025 commenced.
The home side, Pakistan, has also disappointed and is already eliminated from the semi-final contention despite having one game left to play.
Pakistan suffered a 60-run defeat against New Zealand in their first Group A match and was then outperformed by six wickets by arch-rivals India in their second game in Dubai.
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