Due to the soggy conditions, the officials have decided to abandon this match as well. Fourth game washed out in a row, that has to be some sort of a record. Both teams share the points. Saint Lucia remain at the top with four points. The umpires have prioritized player safety and after a chat with both captains, decided to call it off. Action will resume at Warner Park on August 23 with the fixture between Patriots and Tallawahs. That's it from me, Rvel Zahid. See you in a couple of days. Thank you so much for your company and sharing your comments!
Nigel: "Majority of Cricket grounds in the Caribbean are owned by the Governments so there is little CPL or the local Cricket Associations can do as far as quality of facility is concerned. Funding is an issue and the Caribbean is lacking in that currently. Most venues only receive an upgrade when World Cup is being held. Thankfully, one is happening next year so some venues will get a much needed touch up."
Octaveio: "This is also what happens when you're on the bottom of the cricketing totem pole. Being forced to move a tournament to not clash with the hundred (and other leagues) as well as scheduling to cater for a longer than normal home season means there will always be a risk for this. The DSCG ground staff have done the miracle of having the field ready after heavy rain plenty times before but the amounts seen this week can cripple any ground in the world"
Hajji49: "It just is what it is in terms of scheduling. The inexcapable fact is that there is now a virtual alphabet soup of T20 competitions globally and only 52 weeks in the yr. Now squashed amongst the IPL, BBL, PSL, Lanka league, the Hundred, and leagues in SA, UAE, USA to name a few, the CPL just has to work with the window it has. Focus will have to be on ensuring the grounds can be made ready as quickly as possible when Mother Nature lets up. "
Romel: "Dry season in the Caribbean is December to May. Best months for cricket historically has always been Feb to May. Unfortunately another high profile league has taken that slot so much so that not even international cricket can go on in the Caribbean at that time."
Andrew: "Rescheduling between Caribbean countries will not be an easy feat. The 3 days gap is meant from flying to the next leg of the tournament and giving players some time to familiarize themselves with conditions. It all comes back to scheduling. I'm my view it should be before the home international matches to given selectors as well new additions to the WI coming strong after the cpl"
The match has been abandoned
Zohaib: "There will be no matches in next three days. They can reschedule the matches like US T10 did today."
Rayudu is set to become the second Indian after Pravin Tambe to play in the men's CPL
Afeef: "International matches take priority. West Indies play their home internationals during June-July which is why the CPL starts in August for the past few years. For instance, this year they had the World Cup Qualifiers in June and later the home series against India."
Suresh Singh: "I blame the organisers for this. The biggest party in sports yet year after year rain gets involve at some point. We know that we cannot stop mother nature but, basic planning and use of technology available can prevent hosting matches in islands that have rain been forecasted. CPL initially use to be held in June and i do not know why the date was push to August - September."
8:33pm: Both captains are out there having a chat with the umpires. The boundaries have been brought in as a precaution to avoid the damp areas. There's still a sizable crowd waiting patiently for some live action
No major update as yet from Gros Islet, but as you wait for cricket, why not have a look at the match report of LPL final and the preview of US Masters T10 League: Fancy a bit of Gambhir vs Afridi? Turn back the clock with the US Masters T10 League
Michell : "I agree with Akash. The CPL was earlier in the year (dry season) at the start of it. It has really been disappointing because we look forward for this all year."
Saief Ally: "I know there has been alot of rain. I think the system could have been better. It's a huge tournament and they need to have systems in place to facilitate such events when they occur"
Deonarine Dodal: "Whenever you speak to management always funding is an issue, if you are geared towards handouts then you will get none, if you change the mindset and create your own funding then we will be watching cricket now."
Akash: "I think it's a little unfair to cast blame on the ground / staff for this delay. We have to remember that funding of cricket facilities in the WI cannot be compared to that of more affluent nations. We just cannot afford resurfacing and advanced drainage considerations. Some blame must be put on the CPL organizers themselves - to schedule a tournament in the middle of the rainy season (year after year) puts undue pressure on the regional ground staff."
8:05pm: Not much is happening on the ground. The super sopper was stationary for quite a while but is now on the move. There has been no rain, but the wet outfield continues to be an issue. Inspection is about 10 minutes away
Syed: "What a poor start of the biggest Caribbean party, not good for the fans as welI. I'm for Pakistan and it 4:52am here waiting for the game to start. Poor management sorry to say
Andrew: "Question is, where does the required investment come from? It's beyond time all first class match revenues, regardless of where games are played, go toward forwarding the game in smaller countries, and that the 'big three' are obligated to play in smaller countries on a minimum rotation. The future of the game depends on it."
Harry: "Ground mismanagement at the expense of the loyal fans packing the stadium. It hasn't rained in Gros Islet for over 5 hours. One single super sopper and a delay in even putting sand over the problem areas. The Daren Sammy doesn't hold too many fixtures a year. Loyal fans deserve better." I can imagine the frustration; the venue surely requires more investment
Next inspection at 8:15pm local time
7:11pm: The lone super sopper is making laps around the field, but it looks that it's not enough to get the field ready for a start. Umpires are walking on the outfield but don't seem quite convinced to get things underway. Come to think of it, considering the climate crisis and unpredictable weather patterns affecting many regions of the world, it's about time stakeholders invest in better drainage facilities to avoid prolonged delays. Subsurface aeration and vacuum-powered drainage facilities at all major venues could make a lot of difference.
6:54pm: The pitch is dry, and the landing spot is firm. However, there are a few patches in the outfield that may not be safe for fielders to run or slide on. A bit of assistance from the wind would help in soaking up the moisture. We'll have a delayed start. Inspection coming up at 7pm.
6:10pm: Rain has stopped, and covers have been peeled off, while the ground staff is busy clearing up all the water from the earlier downpour. There's a chance for a timely start.
5:57pm: Persistent rain forced third match in a row to be abandoned. The rain forecast doesn't look very promising for today, but there is a possibility of a shortened contest. It will require some effort from the ground staff to get the ground ready for some cricket, even if it's a truncated affair. Let's hope the cricketing gods will be kinder to the fans, organizers and players tonight. The forecast is expected to improve after 8pm. I am Rvel Zahid and I will keep you posted.
Saint Lucia Kings found their mojo quickly after suffering defeat in their first game and bounced back with a domineering win against Barbados Royals. They look like a side to beat and have bagged three points, sitting atop the table. Meanwhile, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots are at the bottom of the table and haven't yet gotten off the mark after a washout against Trinbago.