The cricket fans were excited for the first match of the much-awaited India-Sri Lanka T20I series, but weather played a spoilsport and the match was called off. In fact, the jam-packed crowd was disappointed with the turn of events, but their enthusiasm did not dampen as they started singing ‘Vande Mataram’ in chorus. Indian skipper Virat Kohli had won the toss and opted to bowl first in their first T20I against Sri Lanka but rain acted as a hindrance in beginning the game.
Match officials had conducted two inspections, as the rain water had seeped through the leaking covers that were used to protect the pitch at the Barsapara Stadium. However, the match referee was not happy with the wet outfield and eventually, the match was called off at around 10 PM (IST).
The fans witnessed an astonishing sight of groundsmen using hairdryers, steam irons and vacuum cleaners to dry the wet patches on the pitch. It caused delay in starting the match even hours after the rain stopped.
The Twitterati went berserk over watching the ground staff using the most bizarre pitch-drying techniques to make the play possible and thus, mocked BCCI. Netizens took a jibe at the lack of preparation from officials, especially while conducting an international match.
Here are some of the hilarious tweets:
Moreover, former India opener-turned commentator, Aakash Chopra, pointed out the unsatisfactory preparations and said on-air, "The outfield is bone-dry so I'd say it's a schoolboy error that the water has seeped onto the pitch. Perhaps there are a few holes in the covers. It's really disappointing preparation for an international game”.
As the first match was abandoned due to rains, now both the teams will look forward to the second clash, scheduled on January 7 in Indore and the final face-off to be held in Pune on January 10.
