Pakistan v England: T20 World Cup organisers change playing regulations for MCG final

The 2022 T20 World Cup organisers have changed the playing regulations for the final between Pakistan and England to give the teams more time in case of rain interruptions.

The final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is under the threat of rain as per forecast for November 13. With more showers expected on the reserve day (November 14), the Event Technical Committee has increased the provision of additional playing time on the reserve day.

Subsequently, an additional two hours have been added to the original provision of two hours in case more time is required to complete the match and get a result. The play needs to have 10 overs per side to constitute a match in the knockout stage. But if a 10-over-per-side contest does not take place, then Pakistan and England will be declared joint winners.

“Every effort will be made for the match to be completed on Sunday, with any necessary reduction of overs taking place and only if the minimum number of overs necessary to constitute a match cannot be bowled on Sunday will the match go into the reserve day. Play on the reserve day will begin at 15h00 and would be a continuation of play from the scheduled match day,” an ICC statement read.

The ongoing tournament has been hit by rain, especially in Melbourne, with matches either being decided on D/L method or abandoned without a ball being bowled.

Pakistan, who got a lifeline en route the semi-finals after South Africa crashed out of the tournament, stormed into the final following a seven-wicket win over New Zealand in the last-four match. Meanwhile, England crushed India with a 10-wicket win to convincingly set up the final date with Pakistan in a repeat of 1992.