Alex Hartley Criticizes Colombo Rain for Disrupting Women’s Cricket World Cup
Rain has dominated the Women’s Cricket World Cup held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, much to the disappointment of players and fans. Out of nine matches staged in the capital, five have been impacted by rain, resulting in four no-results. Former England spinner Alex Hartley voiced strong criticism, stating the rain has “ruined” the tournament.
Monsoon Conditions Disrupt Matches
October marks the monsoon season in Sri Lanka, with rainfall expected to reach between 300-370mm. Hartley, who won the World Cup in 2017, expressed her disbelief at scheduling the tournament in such conditions. She noted that rain typically occurs at the same time each day.
“It’s been a real shame,” Hartley remarked on BBC Radio 5 Live. She emphasized that the scheduling of the matches was predictable yet disappointing. With most group games held at the R. Premadasa Stadium due to ongoing political issues, the situation has become critical for teams like Pakistan, who are struggling at the bottom of the standings.
Impact on Team Performances
- Pakistan’s two recent matches were washed out, severely affecting their chances of qualification.
- New Zealand, the T20 World Champions, also experienced rain interruptions, jeopardizing their progression in the tournament.
New Zealand’s captain, Sophie Devine, shared her frustration. She highlighted the importance of adjusting match times to avoid the rain. “I hope in future editions, they think of playing earlier in the day,” she stated, as rain tends to arrive in the evening.
Coaches and Players Call for Change
Criticism has also come from England’s coach, Charlotte Edwards. She reiterated the desire for more gameplay, acknowledging the difficulties posed by the monsoon. “You want to play as much cricket as you can,” she remarked about the need for adjustments in scheduling during rainy seasons.
As the tournament progresses, only two more matches are set to be played in Colombo: Pakistan vs. South Africa and Sri Lanka vs. Pakistan. Unfortunately, forecasts predict continued rain during both matches, raising concerns over the potential impact on the tournament’s outcome.
