First T20I Between Pakistan and England Called Off Due to Persistent Rain

The first T20I of the highly anticipated four-match series between Pakistan and England was called off on Wednesday due to persistent rain. The picturesque Headingley Stadium remained under covers throughout the day as relentless rain dashed any hopes of play.

Match officials decided to call off the series opener half an hour before the scheduled coin toss, taking into account the field's condition and the unceasing downpour.

A bleak scene at Headingley ahead of the first T20I.

The action now shifts to Edgbaston, where Pakistan and England will face off on May 25, hoping to secure an early lead in the series.

The four-match T20I series, scheduled from May 22 to 30, is a vital warm-up for both teams before the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. As finalists of the previous edition, Pakistan and England will forgo the warm-up matches for this year's major event, rendering this series critical for their preparation.

Pakistan Squad:

Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Usman Khan.

England Squad:

Jos Buttler (c), Phil Salt, Will Jacks, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Duckett, Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Chris Jordan, Tom Hartley, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood and Reece Topley.

Pak vs Eng T20I series schedule:

1st T20I: Wed, May 22nd

2nd T20I: Sat, May 25th

3rd T20I: Tue, May 28th

4th T20I: Thu, May 30th