Rain washes out much-awaited clash

Fans braved heavy downpour for the Friendship Cup match between India and Pakistan that was eventually abandoned without a ball being bowled © AFP

The one-off game for the Friendship Cup between India and Pakistan at Glasgow - part of the 60th anniversary celebrations of independence for both India and Pakistan - was a victim of the poor weather that has lashed the United Kingdom over the past ten days. The 10.45am start was thwarted by persistent drizzle, and though there was an inspection at 2.00pm, the intermittent rain and slushy ground conditions meant that not even a 20-overs-a-side game was possible.

India travelled to Glasgow after defeating South Africa in a three-match series at Belfast, while Pakistan haven't played since they went up against Sri Lanka at Abu Dhabi in May. The two great rivals haven't played each other since April last year, and unfortunately the weather meant that 5000-odd fans who had bought tickets for the game went home disappointed.

As for the teams, the interminable wait for play to start included a dressing-room meeting with Prince Charles, heir to the throne. Once that was over, they left for the hotel, India to ponder a series against England, and Pakistan more time off before they gather for the Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa.