Champions Trophy: Kaif questions PCB's use of ICC funds after rain called-off Aus vs SA clash in Rawalpindi

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Former Indian batsman Mohammad Kaif criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for not fully covering the ground, leading to the cancellation of the ICC Champions Trophy Group B match between Australia and South Africa in Rawalpindi due to rain.

The match was delayed by more than three hours due to heavy rain in Rawalpindi. Just before the official announcement of the match cancellation, a picture shared by Kaif on social media showed that the ground staff had not completely covered the outfield. Kaif, shocked by the sight at the venue, criticized the host team for misusing ICC funds for the tournament, calling it "shameful." He tweeted, "It’s a shame that Rawalpindi's ground was not fully covered. Such an important match – South Africa vs. Australia – could go to waste because no one addressed this issue. Did the hosts use ICC's money wisely?"

For those unaware, the renovations of the stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi were completed just days before the Champions Trophy, with several extensions to the deadline. This is the first time in 29 years that Pakistan is hosting an ICC event, the last time being co-hosting the 1996 World Cup. Meanwhile, India is playing its matches in Dubai. Despite more than three hours of waiting, conditions in Rawalpindi did not improve, and officials made the final decision to cancel the match. The unwanted end of the first encounter between the two teams in the tournament resulted in both sides sharing one point each, with no result.

As a result, South Africa remained at the top of Group B with three points and a Net Run Rate (NRR) of +2.140, while Australia held second place with +0.475. Both South Africa and Australia began their campaigns with wins over Afghanistan and England, respectively. A victory in this match would have strengthened their semi-final hopes in Group B. Australia will face Afghanistan in their final Group B match on February 28, while South Africa will play England on March 1.