PSL 2026: Torrential rain abandons Islamabad United vs Peshawar Zalmi match

The 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL) game between Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi was abandoned due to harsh weather conditions at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Tuesday, March 31. The two sides will now share a point each, giving Islamabad United their first points of the new season.

Prior to the coin toss, a strong thunderstorm hit the Gaddafi Stadium, resulting in heavy rainfall along with hailstones, harsh winds, and thunder. The weather condition lasted for about an hour. Whilst the main square and pitch were covered, the rest of the outfield was left exposed to the torrential rain, resulting in many water puddles forming all over the ground. 

The conditions did get better around the time when the game was supposed to start. With the ground severely waterlogged, the ground staff tried their best to get a game, but it was a tall order to have the outfield fit for the contest.

At 9:20 pm, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) suggested that a five-over game could be possible with the main covers taken off and the outfield looking significantly drier compared to earlier in the evening. 

The conditions were, however, not deemed safe enough, with the match eventually getting called off, resulting in the season’s first abandoned game.

The shared point from the washout allowed Peshawar Zalmi to climb up to the second spot in the points table. The Babar Azam-led outfit have got three points from their opening two matches of the new season. They opened their 2026 PSL campaign with a five-wicket victory over Rawalpindiz, chasing down 215 with five balls to spare. 

Islamabad United’s first point of the season now means they have moved to sixth in the standings, with the aforementioned Rawalpindiz and Hyderabad Kingsmen still waiting to open their points account. 

Karachi Kings, meanwhile, are leading the points standings with four points from their opening two games of the new season after beating Quetta Gladiators and Lahore Qalandars.