Ranji Trophy: First day of Hyderabad-UP washed out

Though there was bright sunshine for most of the day, the Gymkhana Ground was wet, hence, unfit for play.

Representative Image.

Heavy overnight rains forced the abandonment of the first day’s play between Hyderbad and Uttar Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy championship Group A match at Gymkhana Ground here on Saturday.

Though there was bright sunshine for most of the day, the ground was wet, hence, unfit for play.

The umpires called off the play after the mandatory inspections at 1:00 p.m. and at 3:00 p.m.

Interestingly, a senior official of the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), informed Sportstar that they had requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) a few days ago to shift this game to Rajiv Gandhi Stadium (Upppal), where the T20I between India and Australia was abandoned on Friday due to wet ground conditions, but they didn't receive a response.

“We were just hoping because of better drainage system at Uppal, there could be some cricketing action there if the match were to be shifted,” he said.

A heavy downpour late in the evening on Saturday reduced chances of play for Sunday.