PCB reschedules Trophy final for Faisalabad

In a surprise move the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday decided to shift the final of the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy from Gaddafi Stadium to Iqbal Stadium.

With the uncertain weather prevailing in Punjab at this time of the year, the PCB's decision to play the five-day final at Faisalabad instead of Lahore is rather uncalled for.

Several matches in that province were abandoned without a ball being bowled when the prestigious championship resumed after the 37-day Ramazan and Eid-ul-Fitr break on Jan 2.

On Thursday, no play was possible in the game between Sheikhupura and Lahore Blues while Peshawar had to until almost tea before claiming the last three Lahore Whites wickets at the LCCA Ground (Lahore).

The industrial city of Faisalabad, which is about two-hour drive away from Lahore, has its customary share of inclement weather in the winter that consists of poor visibility (fog) and rain.

Karachi Whites and Lahore Blues, who contest the Jan 20-24 final, will be extremely fortunate if the weather stays fine and allow the match to complete its full duration.

The National Stadium, which like Gaddafi Stadium is a PCB property, could have been the ideal choice because of the favourable weather in the southern region that guarantees a full match.

It is worth mentioning that the National Stadium was not allocated a single match of the oldest cricket championship this season.

Karachi last hosted the Grade-I finals of the Quaid-i-Azam and Patron's trophies in the 1998-99 season.