The first practice game between J&K and Punjab at Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar on Monday was called off due to two wet patches in the ground.
It rained overnight but the weather remained clear in the morning and even the sun had come out. However, Puniab team showed concern about a couple of wet patches in the ground, especially one at the long-off region from media end.
While the drainage system at the stadium is quite good, it seemed JKCA couldn’t do anything about the wet patches, which was quite surprising.
A few people who had come to watch the match were disappointed as they wondered how the match got cancelled.
“I still can’t believe that they called off the game. Just look around: the sun is out, ground seems all okay. If Punjab have a problem with a wet match, what did JKCA do about it?,” a spectator said in anger.
Sources in known of the development said J&K team was ready to play but Punjab didn’t agree to play because of the wet patches.
The match is now expected to be played on another date. A full-fledged Punjab team led by Mandeep Singh is currently on a tour to J&K and will play three T20 practice matches as part of the preparation for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.