38000 Fans Disappointed as IND vs ENG World Cup Warm-up Match in Guwahati Called Off Due to Rain

Team India’s first World Cup 2023 warm-up match against England in Guwahati was called off due to heavy rain. Heavy showers had the final say at the Barsapara Stadium after India won the toss and opted to bat first. With the cut-off time for play set at 7.30 PM IST, the match officials waited until shortly before 6 PM before pulling the plug on the contest.

The washed-out affair in Guwahati also left the 38000 cricket fans who arrived at the Barsapara Stadium to witness the live action. However, it’s been declared that those who bought the tickets online will get their refunds at the earliest

Speaking to CNN NEWS18, a cricket fan, Zakaria Zulfi said, “I came from Dhubri. Travelled for long hours to witness Rohit, Kohli and Gill playing. Now, after waiting for so long we have to go back without anything. But we understand nothing can be done about nature. We will come back to watch India playing in some next match that happens here.”

Meanwhile, Pat Cummins-led Australia were also left frustrated as rain delayed the start of their contest with the Netherlands. It was the second warm-up encounter in Thiruvananthapuram to be affected by rain after South Africa’s match against Afghanistan was abandoned a day earlier.

There are two more warm up matches scheduled to be played at the ACA Barsapara. Defending champions England will take on Bangladesh on October 2^nd followed by Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka on 3^rd October.