India-vs-Sri Lanka: The-first-T20I-between-India-and-Sri Lanka-in Guwahati-was-abandoned-without-a-ball-being-bowled.
Former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan
slammed preparations at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati after the first
T20I between India and Sri Lanka was abandoned without a ball being bowled due
to wet pitch on Sunday. The rain started pouring down in Guwahati immediately
following the toss, but it stopped after 30 minutes. Despite
several attempts to dry out the pitch on time, the officials decided
to call off the play after a late inspection showed there were still wet
patches on the surface.
Speaking to Cricbuzz, the former left-arm
pacer said: “When there is water on the wicket that really changes the dynamics
of the game. Everyone was shocked because the rain stopped and in today’s day
and age this is the last thing on your mind that water has gone on the wicket
through the covers,” he said.
“Bit
disappointing but we don’t know the exact story. Maybe the pitch wasn’t covered
properly because to hear a cover not being taken properly is something which is
unheard of,” he added.
Former India batsman-turned-commentator
Aakash Chopra also questioned the preparations of ground before the match. “The
outfield is bone-dry so I’d say it’s a schoolboy error that the water has
seeped onto the pitch. Perhaps there are a few holes in the covers. It’s really
disappointing preparation for an international game,” he said during Star
Sports broadcast.
According to Devajit Saikia, secretary,
Assam Cricket Association (ACA), the match couldn’t start because of rain. “The
official reason is rainfall. There were two spells of heavy showers that didn’t
allow the ground to be ready,” he said.
Asked about the patches on the pitch, he
said: “I have no idea because I have not spoken to the curator or the
groundsmen. Once I speak to them, I will be able to know if there were any
lapses.” Later he said: “Maybe the pitch got damp because of heavy shower and
water on the cover.” Saikia also said it rained till 9:15pm; however, the
covers had come off the square at around 7:50pm.
India and Sri Lanka will play 2nd T20I on
Tuesday at Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore. The three-match T20I series
between the two teams is the first campaign for Virat Kohli-led Indian cricket
team this year.