Former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif has strongly criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for what he described as complete mismanagement following the washout of the crucial Australia vs South Africa clash in Rawalpindi. Heavy rain forced the match to be abandoned, but what caught Kaif’s attention was the fact that while the pitch was covered, the outfield was left exposed to the downpour, leading him to question whether ICC-provided funds were being mismanaged by the PCB.
A win for either Australia or South Africa would have secured them a place in the semifinals, but the unfortunate turn of events left both teams sharing a point each. Expressing his frustration, Md. Kaif took to social media and wrote, “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.”
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? pic.twitter.com/nPwthd1fji
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) February 25, 2025
The persistent rain on Tuesday meant the match never got underway, with even the toss being abandoned. Officials eventually called off the game more than two hours before the cut-off time of 8:05 pm IST, as conditions showed no signs of improvement.
With this washout, Australia and South Africa now sit with one additional point each, making the upcoming England vs Afghanistan match a virtual knockout. The loser of that encounter will become the third team to be eliminated from the Champions Trophy, following Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Both Australia and South Africa had earlier secured wins against England and Afghanistan in their opening matches. The washout also marks Australia’s fourth abandoned match in their last eight appearances in the tournament.
Looking ahead, Australia will next face Afghanistan in Lahore on February 28, while South Africa is set to take on England in Karachi on March 1.
