AUS vs SA: ‘Was ICC Money Wasted?’ – Mohammad Kaif Rips Into Pakistan for Rawalpindi Ground Cover Controversy

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for not fully covering the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match between Australia and South Africa on Tuesday (February 25).

The game faced delays due to rain, and Kaif questioned whether the funds provided by the ICC were used efficiently by the tournament hosts.

“It’s a shame that the Rawalpindi ground isn’t fully covered. Such an important match – SA vs Aus – might go down the drain because no one addressed this issue. Was the ICC money utilised wisely by hosts?” Kaif posted on social media platform X.

His remarks came amid concerns over Pakistan’s stadium renovations, which were completed just days before the tournament’s start. The upgrades in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi had already faced multiple deadline extensions.

With Pakistan hosting an ICC event for the first time in 29 years, questions are now being raised about the preparedness of the venues. Meanwhile, the host nation Pakistan itself has been knocked out of the tournament alongside Bangladesh.