Cricket

T20 World Cup’s Games in Florida Threatened by Tropical Storms

Flash floods in Florida, from record rainfall, stranded cars and forced evacuations. Despite storms and flooding, the final three T20 World Cup's group games in the United States are at risk, with organisers unlikely to move them from Florida.

T20 World Cup’s final three group games held in the United States are at risk due to tropical storms and flooding, but organizers are highly unlikely to move them from Florida. The New York leg of the tournament concluded on Wednesday with India defeating the USA. The focus now shifts to Central Broward Park in Lauderhill for the upcoming matches.

Three Group A fixtures involve USA, Ireland, Canada and Pakistan vying for Super 8 qualification with India. However, Florida has endured torrential downpours following record rainfall in the past few days, with more expected. The US National Weather Service has issued warnings for “excessive rainfall” scheduled for Friday morning. This forecast coincides with the USA’s match against Ireland at 15:30 BST.

Ground staff at Central Broward Park removed the covers on Thursday to start the drying process, but neither Ireland nor the USA are likely to conduct outdoor training sessions before the match. The 25,000-capacity stadium, which opened in 2007, boasts good drainage facilities. Organizers remain optimistic that the games could proceed if the weather holds.

Sri Lanka’s fixture against Nepal on June 11 at the ground in Lauderhill was abandoned without any balls being bowled. No game took place, marking the only match scheduled for that venue. It is highly unlikely that the International Cricket Council would relocate the remaining fixtures to another venue at such short notice.

How might rain impact who reaches the Super 8s?

The USA lead to qualify second for the Super 8s after winning two of three matches. A win against Ireland on Friday would make the remaining games inconsequential. In contrast, if the match is affected by rain, the USA would earn five points, securing their lead in the group. However, an Irish victory could propel Ireland, Pakistan or Canada above the USA based on net run rate. Canada will face India in a crucial T20 World Cup’s match on Saturday. On Sunday, Pakistan is scheduled to take on Ireland in another pivotal fixture at the tournament.

Cataleya