The second Test between Pakistan and New Zealand, scheduled to be played in Multan, is in danger of being called off due to persistent foggy conditions. The first Test, which took place in Rawalpindi, ended in a draw, with both teams eager to take the lead in the three-match series.
However, the weather in Multan has not been conducive to cricket, with thick fog causing visibility issues and making it difficult for the players to see the ball. The fog has also disrupted flights, with the New Zealand team's arrival in Multan being delayed by several hours.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has stated that it is monitoring the weather closely and will take a decision on the fate of the Test match on the morning of the first day's play. If the match does go ahead, it is likely that the overs will be reduced and the match will be played over three days instead of the usual five.
This is not the first time that fog has disrupted cricket in Pakistan. In December 2017, a Test match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Lahore was also affected by fog, with the match being called off on the first day due to poor visibility.
The PCB has come under criticism for scheduling Test matches in the winter months, when fog is more likely to occur. The board has defended its decision, stating that it is important to give international teams the opportunity to play in different parts of the country.
The foggy conditions have also affected the preparations of the teams, with both Pakistan and New Zealand having to adjust their training schedules. The Pakistan team has been forced to train indoors, while the New Zealand team has been unable to train outdoors at all.
The situation has raised concerns about the impact on player performance, with some players expressing their frustration at the lack of practice time. The New Zealand team has also expressed concern about the fitness levels of its players, with some players having to sit out due to the weather.
Despite the challenges, both teams are determined to go ahead with the Test match and are hopeful that the weather will improve. The Pakistan team is looking to bounce back after a disappointing performance in the first Test, while the New Zealand team is eager to build on its strong performance in Rawalpindi.
The PCB has assured fans that every effort will be made to ensure that the Test match goes ahead, with the use of technology being considered as a possible solution to the visibility issues.
The fate of the Test match will be determined on the morning of the first day's play, and fans are advised to keep an eye on updates from the PCB and the teams. Regardless of the outcome, the series is sure to be a closely contested battle between two strong cricketing nations.