Former Indian cricketer Madan Lal criticized the drainage system at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium during the Champions Trophy match between Afghanistan and Australia, calling it a “bad advertisement” for Pakistan. The poor drainage of Gaddafi Stadium was evident during the second innings of the Afghanistan vs. Australia match on Friday. Rain interrupted the game after 12.5 overs, and puddles formed on the field after the rain stopped.
Ground staff attempted to remove the water with mops and other means, but the match was eventually called off, and both teams received a point each.
Madan Lal expressed his dissatisfaction with Gaddafi Stadium’s drainage in an interview with ANI, stating, “This is a bad advertisement for Pakistan. Stadium renovation is good, but the drainage system and super sopper should be the number one priority. It’s not good for Pakistan. I watched yesterday’s match and their water removal methods. There was a lot of criticism.”
The 1983 World Cup winner also addressed recent criticism from former cricketers regarding India’s advantage of playing at the same venue while other teams have to travel to different cities in Pakistan.
Former England cricketers Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton openly discussed India playing all its games in Dubai, giving them an edge over other teams.
Madan Lal, commenting on this criticism, said, “Yes, there is an advantage, but India clarified this quite early. But teams will complain.”
After two dominant victories over Bangladesh and Pakistan, India has advanced to the semi-finals. Their final group stage match against New Zealand will determine the top two positions in Group A and the semi-final pairings.
Madan Lal believes that the opponent for India in the semi-finals doesn’t matter; the upcoming match against New Zealand on Sunday will be a good rehearsal before the tournament’s knockout stage.
“It doesn’t matter. Tomorrow’s match should be good because it will be a good rehearsal for the semi-final,” he added.
