Arch rivals India and Pakistan cricket teams are preparing for a most awaited face-off for the T20 world cup match at Melbourne Cricket Ground on October 23.
Hotels are booked out, and bars and cafes are planning special evenings to entertain travellers as both team’s supporters come from different parts of the world to shout their lungs out in the anticipation of their team’s victory.
But Melbourne also has some plans.
As per the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), there is a 90% chance of rain and thunderstorms in Melbourne on 23rd October.
Melbourne is a big city so let’s talk about specific Melbourne Cricket ground areas on the given day and time.
The T20 World Cup Ind vs Pak match is planned to start at 7 pm on Sunday. However, there is a 60% chance of rain at that time.
Most disheartening is that experts say there is a very high chance that the match will be cut short or maybe even cancelled due to rain and wet ground conditions.
As per T20 World Cup rules, a result can be achieved only if both teams have had the opportunity of batting for at least 5 overs unless one team has been all out in less than 5 overs or unless the team batting second scores enough runs to win in less than 5 overs (10 overs in the semi-finals and final).
T20 World Cup 2022 Local Organising Committee’s Media & Communications Manager Max Abbott told The Australia Today, “Our venues have world-class ground staff and equipment to mitigate the impact of the weather, which is out of our control.”
“Both semi-finals and finals have reserve days and it’s impractical to have reserve days across the group stages.”
So it is clear there is no reserved day for this match.
What happens if India and Pakistan teams do not bat 5 overs each or it rains the whole time?
The match will be abandoned if some overs have been bowled and both teams will share the points.
For fans who have purchased tickets here are some points of their ticketing terms and conditions in regard to the refund policy
“You will be eligible for a refund of 100% of the Ticket Value if, less than 9.5 overs are completed in the match, and no result is recorded.”
Melbourne-based businessman Tapan Desai Told The Australia Today, nine of his family members are coming from three different continents to watch India vs Pakistan match.
“My uncle and cousins are coming from England South Africa and India to watch the match but I think we have to pray to weather gods to let us have fun.”
If it rains we will have a think about a plan B to entertain the whole family added Mr Desai.