'Bad advertisement for Pakistan': Madan Lal slams Gaddafi Stadium's drainage system after abandoned Champions Trophy match

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Mar 2, 2025, 11:21 IST

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Madan Lal criticised the poor drainage system at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium during the Afghanistan-Australia Champions Trophy match, calling it a "bad advertisement" for Pakistan. Despite efforts to clear rainwater, the game was called off.

'Bad advertisement for Pakistan': Madan Lal slams Gaddafi Stadium's drainage system after abandoned Champions Trophy match

A super sopper dries out the wet outfield area after rains stops play in the ICC Champions Trophy match between Australia and Afghanistan in Lahore. (AP)

New Delhi: Former Indian cricketer Madan Lal has criticised the poor drainage system at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium during the Champions Trophy match between Afghanistan and Australia.
The drainage system's inadequacy became evident during the second innings of Friday's Group B match when rain interrupted play after 12.5 overs.
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Despite the ground staff's efforts to remove water puddles using mop sticks and other methods, the match had to be abandoned, with both teams receiving one point each.

"This is a bad advertisement for Pakistan. Renovating a stadium is fine, but the drainage system and super sopper should be the number one priority. It isn't good for Pakistan. I saw yesterday's match and their method of getting the water out. There was a lot of criticism."

Recent criticism from former England cricketers Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton focused on India's advantage of playing all their matches in Dubai while other teams travel to different locations in Pakistan.
"Yes, there is an advantage, but India cleared it quite early. But teams will complain," said Lal.

India have already secured their semi-final spot after winning against Bangladesh and Pakistan in Group A.
Their final group stage match against New Zealand will determine the top two positions in Group A and the semi-final lineup.

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"It doesn't matter. Tomorrow's match should be good because it will be a good rehearsal for the semi-final."

Stay tuned for the IND vs AUS Live Score and follow real-time match updates. Get the latest Cricket Live Score and stay ahead with every ball.

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