Lahore: The first Super 4 match of the Asia Cup 2023 between Pakistan and Bangladesh at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium was abruptly interrupted when one of the floodlights malfunctioned.
During the fifth over of Pakistan's innings, a floodlight went out, causing a 15-minute delay as organisers worked to restore it. Players left the field, and fans used their mobile phone torches to illuminate the stadium. The floodlight was eventually fixed, and play resumed.
At the time of the interruption, Pakistan was at 15/0 in 5 overs, with Fakhar Zaman (13) and Imam-ul-Haq (2) at the crease. Earlier, Pakistan's pace bowlers, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, had dismantled Bangladesh's batting lineup, restricting them to 193 all out in 38.4 overs. Rauf took four wickets, Naseem Shah claimed three, and Shaheen Afridi secured one wicket.
The incident stirred a mixed reaction on social media, with some expressing sympathy and others criticising the Pakistan Cricket Board for the poor organisation of the tournament. Concerns were also raised about the scheduling of matches in relation to weather conditions.
Despite the interruption, cricket fans noted that floodlight failures are not unique to a particular stadium or country, citing similar incidents in various parts of the world, emphasising that such disruptions can occur in any cricket match.