Thursday turned out to be a day that marked the end of the road in the T20 World Cup for more than just one entity. While Sri Lanka became the second side to be officially knocked out of the tournament, a couple of India stars, travelling as the reserves, are also home bound after the Group stage of the tournament.
And to add salt to the wounds of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup campaign, their chances of hosting the Champions Trophy in 2025 is also in jeopardy, thanks to the PCB’s planned renovations for the stadiums in the country. On that note, let us take a look at the top headlines from Thursday.
World Cup over for Gill, Avesh
Shubman Gill and Avesh Khan, who are with Team India as ‘travelling reserves’ are set to fly back home after the group stages of the T20 World Cup 2024. Shubman Gill, who was dropped in favor of Yashasvi Jaiswal in the 15-man squad, will be returning home after the conclusion of the matches in the United States. He is joined by pacer Avesh Khan, who is also likely to fly back after India’s clash against Canada on June 15.
Goodbye, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka cricket team have been officially eliminated from the T20 World Cup 2024. Their fate was more or less sealed after their crucial match against Nepal in Florida was abandoned due to rain on June 11. This early exit comes as a massive disappointment for Sri Lankan fans, who had high expectations for their team. The squad possessed a potent attack on the helpful USA and Caribbean conditions.
Pakistan’s CT 2025 hopes meets a hurdle
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has voiced his frustration over the slow progress of the upgradation and renovation work at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The work is part of a broader effort to prepare key cricket venues for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will be hosted in Pakistan.
Nightmare Nassau to be demolished
The Nassau stadium was built in just over 100 days, with the drop-in pitches sourced from Adelaide, Australia. Initially, it was assumed that the pitch at this ground would mostly benefit the batters, but just like any good movie climax, it came as a surprise that the pitch favors the bowlers. According to a few reports, the stadium will be dismantled over a span of six weeks.
Flash floods in Florida
The Sri Lanka vs Nepal T20 World Cup June 11 match was suspended due to rain, in Florida, and now it seems, USA vs IRE match on June 14, IND vs CAN on June 15, and then PAK vs IRE on June 16 could face the same fate. Various sources claim that a life threatening flash flood emergency has been declared in Miami, Florida.
End of the road for PAK?
It looks like Pakistan’s chances of making it to the Super 8 stage might be in jeopardy after the flash flood warning issued in the state of Florida. Pakistan will take on Ireland at Lauderhill in their final game of the group stage of T20 World Cup. Pakistan’s chances of making it to the Super 8 stage will look bleaker if the game in Florida gets washed out.
