ICC Champions Trophy 2025: PCB slammed for misusing ICC funds as rain washes out SA vs AUS clash
Xtra Time Web Desk: The Champions Trophy 2025 match between Australia and South Africa was abandoned due to heavy rain at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, sparking criticism of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for inadequate ground preparations. The match was called off without a ball being bowled, raising concerns about the stadium’s facilities and the use of ICC funds.
Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif slammed the PCB for the poor arrangements, sharing an image of the partially covered ground on social media. Kaif questioned whether the funds allocated for stadium maintenance were misused.
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"It's a shame that the Rawalpindi ground isn't fully covered. Such an important match - South Africa vs Australia - might go down the drain because no one addressed this issue. Was the ICC money utilised wisely by hosts?" Kaif posted on X.
The image showed minimal covers on the ground, with only the pitch and surrounding areas protected. The match officials called off the game almost two hours before the cut-off time for a 20-over match, which was 7:32 PM local time.
It's a shame that the Rawalpindi ground isn't fully covered. Such an important match - SA vs Aus - might go down the drain because no one addressed this issue. Was the ICC money utilised wisely by hosts? pic.twitter.com/nPwthd1fji
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) February 25, 2025
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The lack of proper ground coverage and drainage facilities has put the PCB under scrutiny, especially as Pakistan is hosting a major ICC tournament for the first time since 1996. The PCB faced challenges in renovating the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, and National Stadium in Karachi, with work completed less than two weeks before the tournament began.
The abandoned match also raises concerns for Pakistan’s upcoming game against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on Thursday. A washout would mean Pakistan ends their home campaign without a single win.
Pakistan’s performance in the tournament has been disappointing, with losses to New Zealand by 60 runs and to India by six wickets. These defeats have knocked them out of the semi-final race despite having one game remaining.
