'ICC Money Utilised Wisely?': Md. Kaif Lambasts PCB, Questions Pakistan's Integrity On Below Par Cover And Drainage Facility

Champions Trophy 2025: Former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif has blasted the Pakistan Cricket Board over their preparations for the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025. A new issue came up when Kaif pointed out that the Pakistani Board did not cover the entire Rawalpindi cricket ground when a rain delay happened during the Australia vs South Africa clash, raising questions over the hosts' utilization of ICC money. The former cricketer questioned why the stadium wasn't fully covered for such a critical match-up.

Mohammad Kaif BLASTS PCB Over Lack Of Preparation

The PCB, under the chairmanship of Mohsin Naqvi, is already under a lot of scrutiny as they host the Champions Trophy 2025. Amid all the flak and criticism, Pakistan Cricket went to a new low after the host nation was eliminated from the marquee ICC tournament. Recently, the Pakistan Cricket Board faced objection from former cricketer Mohammad Kaif after it was seen that the Rawalpindi Cricket Ground was not fully covered. Questions emerged over the PCB over the usage of ICC's money after the Australia vs South Africa clash encountered a rain delay.

“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?” Kaif tweeted on ‘X’ [Formerly Twitter].

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Australia- South Africa Clash Abandoned Without A Ball Being Bowled

The pivotal Australia vs South Africa group stage clash at the Rawalpindi Stadium had to be abandoned without a ball being bowled. A gloomy and rainy weather took over Pakistan's Pindi area, causing a delay on the toss. The conditions did not improve, and the match officials had to call off the match almost three hours after the match-up was supposed to begin.

The AUS-SA clash started to lose overs at 03:36 PM IST, and nobody received any good news from the Rawalpindi Stadium as drizzling continued throughout the day. The pitch was well under covers, but the remaining ground were left open. Skippers Steve Smith and Temba Bavuma were upset with the match being abandoned.

The upcoming England vs Afghanistan match-up has now become a virtual knockout, with the semifinal position on the line for both sides in the marquee ICC tournament. The match will take place at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.

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