SLC had warned about rain in Kandy

Rex Clementine at Pallekele

The much-hyped Asia Cup clash between nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan was a flop with rain ruining the game and both teams sharing a point each. Although there were two rain interruptions during India’s innings, a full quota of 50 overs was bowled, but after the dinner break the run chase was not possible as persistent rain kept the players indoors, and at around 10:00 pm it was decided to abandon the game.

The ground staff had put up a terrific effort to resume the game and on two occasions the covers of the entire ground were removed, but rain returned on each occasion and no play was possible.The Island learns that Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) had warned about the rain in Kandy after the Esala Perera and wanted the games played at Dambulla, which is usually dry at this time of the year.

However, SLC’s concerns were ignored, and authorities were adamant about playing at Pallekele and Colombo.In fact, West Indies under-19 are in the island at the moment and their series is continuing in Dambulla uninterrupted.

It was the first India-Pakistan game played on Sri Lankan soil in over ten years. The teams were also playing their first ODI since the 2019 World Cup and there was lot of hype. However, it turned out to be a flop with rain and one of the lowest turnouts for an India – Pakistan clash in history.

The Kandy Esala Perahara held in August is a festival where devotees pay homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha that’s housed at the Sri Dalada Maligawa. The Perahara ends with the diya-kepeema ritual, a water-cutting ceremony which is held at the Mahaweli River. Following this age-old ritual, the extended dry period in the hill capital ends and it is followed by torrential rain.

Following the disappointment on Saturday, where a single ball wasn’t bowled in Pakistan’s innings, it rained heavily on Sunday too and now there are concerns of Monday’s India versus Nepal clash being washed out as well.

The scheduling is not the only flaw the organizers have committed in this Asia Cup. Ticket prices were beyond the reach of spectators and turnouts have been poor for the games. Although a grass bank ticket is generally priced at Rs. 250 at Pallekele, this time it was sold at Rs. 9600. A seat at Pallekele Stadium cost Rs. 40,000 for the India – Pakistan game although these seats generally are sold at Rs. 1250.

Although the grass bank tickets were later brought down to Rs. 1500, by then most local fans had lost interest.Teams will return to Colombo this week for the Super Four round of the Asia Cup with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the second round.