This isn’t the first time ODI matches have been moved from Colombo to another part of the country

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

The second ODI between Sri Lanka and Pakistan has been moved to Hambantota and brought forth to August 26 after the Premadasa Stadium outfield in Colombo was left waterlogged following 48 hours of heavy rain.

More heavy rain is forecasted to fall in Colombo, making it virtually impossible for any cricket to take place.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) had considered moving the match to Dambulla, which will host the third and final ODI, but due to the fact that it would have had to have been a day-night match since it is being held on a weekday, they decided to stick with Hambantota. It is also understood that Ten Sports, who are the broadcast company SLC have a contract with, preferred the match to be played in Hambantota.

“This decision was taken on a request from the national curator, where he had confirmed that the ground will not be fit to play the second ODI in Colombo on the 27th of August,” an SLC release said. “Three days of sunshine would be needed to bring back the ground to normal condition.”

SLC also announced that fans who have purchased tickets for the second ODI can either watch it in Hambantota or get a refund if they are unable to make it.

“Fans who have already purchased tickets for the second ODI can either attend the match in Hambantota on Tuesday, or receive a refund,” an SLC official said.

It was also reported that weather conditions in Hambantota will be much better than Colombo with sunny conditions having been forecasted for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday next week.

This is not the first time ODI matches have been shifted from the Premadasa Stadium. In 2012, when New Zealand were touring Sri Lanka, two ODIs had to be moved to Pallekele due to bad weather.