PCB shifts National One Day Cup knockout stages to Karachi

After torrential downpour made cricket almost impossible up north

KARACHI: After almost half the matches of the ongoing National One Day Cup for Regions were washed out due to torrential downpour in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Peshawar, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has shifted the tournament's semi-finals and finals to Karachi.

The recent wave of rainfall means that only 14 of the 24 matches of the opening six rounds were played, and all but two of those 14 were significantly curtailed by bad light or wet outfield, if not the rain itself.

In the wake of the mass abandonments, the PCB has decided to change the venue of the knockout stages to Karachi, where the weather is forecasted to remain dry.

The final round's matches, set to take place on January 20, will go ahead as per the original schedule due to time and financial constraints.

“Ten matches were completely washed out and others were heavily affected by rain, and the main purpose of the tournament was going in vain so the PCB has decided to shift the venue for the remaining matches to Karachi,” a PCB official told The Express Tribune.

The unnamed official further revealed that Gaddafi Stadium was also considered as an alternative venue, but a decision was made in Karachi's favour due to lower precipitation chances.

“Lahore was always the second option as it is near and would've cost the board less, but since Lahore is also submerged due to showers in the past two days, Karachi was the best possible alternative for the remaining the matches," said the official before adding, "No rain is forecasted in Karachi for the next week."

As per the new schedule, the semi-finals of the tournament will be played on January 23 and 24 at the National Stadium in Karachi, while the final will also be staged at the same venue on January 27.