Rain defers semifinal

The otherwise bustling Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium wore a deserted look yesterday after rain spoiled the scheduled BPL T20 semifinal between Sylhet Royals and Chittagong Kings. Weather permitting, the match will take place today. Photo: STAR

Incessant rainfall in the city compelled the Bangladesh Premier League's (BPL) governing council to postpone the second semifinal match between the Chittagong Kings and the Sylhet Royals yesterday. The game will take place at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur today and is scheduled to begin at 6:00 pm.
It was also informed that the spectators who had bought tickets for yesterday's game would be able to enter the ground with the same tickets today.
“We waited till 8 pm for the start of the game. Our match referee and umpires repeatedly visited the ground. We decided, after talking to the franchises, that since there is a rest day tomorrow (Monday), it will be used as a reserve day,” said IH Mallick, member-secretary of the BPL governing council in a press conference after the decision was taken to postpone the game.
“If rain interrupts the match on Monday as well, then we will try to play at least a five-over-a-side game. If that's not possible then we will try to play an eliminator (one-over-a side). If there's no play possible on Monday then the teams' fate will be decided upon a coin toss,” he added.
A reserve day has also been added for the final match of the competition. “If the game on the 19th can't be started due to the rain, we will complete it on the 20th,” said Afzalur Rahman Sinha, chairman of the BPL governing council.
While the groundsmen did manage to dry most of the in-field last night, the overall condition of the ground however was deemed unsuitable to play on by the umpires and the match referee.
“As per playing conditions, we would have had to try to play a minimum of five overs or at least an eliminator. Both these scenarios were not possible. In such a case, to get a result we would normally go for a coin toss, but as per the wishes of the BPL governing council and the two teams, the match will be played on Monday,” said Roquibul Hassan, match referee.
“There was approximately 46 to 57 per cent rainfall between 7:00 pm and 10:00 pm yesterday. Even if the grass had dried up, the softness of the soil would have made it a danger zone for the players to play on,” added Hassan.
There was a time when the SBNCS was known for its ability to drain out the rain water quickly. The drainage system, however, hasn't seemed to be as effective ever since the ground has undergone a facelift.
Earlier on Friday, the Dhaka Gladiators, courtesy of a century by Chris Gayle, cruised through to the finals by beating the Sylhet Royals in the Race to the Final. Chittagong Kings then beat Duronto Rajshahi in the first semifinal on Saturday. Today's postponed match will determine who among Sylhet and Chittagong will face Dhaka in the final tomorrow.