Colombo Rain Predictability Casts Shadow on Women’s Cricket World Cup Says Alex Hartley

Colombo is experiencing an unusually rainy cricket World Cup, frustrating both players and fans. The tournament, taking place during Sri Lanka’s monsoon season, has seen five of the nine matches affected by rain, resulting in four no-results. Alex Hartley, a former England spinner and 2017 World Cup champion, expressed her disappointment over the weather conditions, stating they have “ruined” the experience.

Monsoon Season Challenges

October is notorious for heavy rainfall in Sri Lanka, with forecasts predicting between 300 and 370mm for the month. Hartley reflected on the predictability of the weather, emphasizing that holding a major tournament during this time introduces significant risks.

Matches in Colombo

Most of Sri Lanka’s group games, as well as all of Pakistan’s fixtures, are being held at the R. Premadasa Stadium. This decision was influenced by ongoing political tensions with India, the host of the majority of matches. Currently, Pakistan is at the bottom of the tournament standings, facing elimination after seeing their last two matches washed out, including one against England where they had a strong chance of winning.

Player Reactions

• Hartley noted, “It’s been a little bit too predictable and really disappointing.”
• New Zealand captain Sophie Devine voiced frustration, saying, “You wait four years for a World Cup and to suffer through the rain is disappointing.”
• England’s coach Charlotte Edwards also criticized the scheduling, wishing for earlier match start times to avoid the rain.

Future Considerations

Devine suggested scheduling matches earlier in the day to mitigate rain interruptions, an idea that resonates with many players. They hold high hopes for more playable games as the tournament progresses.

Upcoming Matches in Colombo

Looking ahead, two further matches are scheduled in Colombo: Pakistan vs. South Africa and Sri Lanka vs. Pakistan. Unfortunately, forecasters predict more rain on both days, casting a shadow on the future of the tournament.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has been approached for comments, as tournament organizers continue to navigate the challenges of unpredictable weather. This World Cup is a vivid reminder of how nature can influence even the most eagerly awaited sporting events.