New Zealand batter Rachin Ravindra is unlikely to play in Monday's tri-series cricket Series match against South Africa after he suffered a laceration to his forehead after being struck by the ball during the match against Pakistan, which is being blamed on poor floodlights at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Rachin Ravindra sustained a laceration on the forehead after being struck by the ball in yesterday's ODI tri-series win over Pakistan in Lahore. Ravindra passed the initial head injury assessment and the laceration, which required stitches, was addressed and treated on the ground. He is otherwise well and will continue to be monitored under HIA protocols. He is unlikely to feature in tomorrow's match against South Africa.
The incident occurred in the 38th over of the match when Khushdil Shah hit a shot towards Rachin Ravindra at deep backward square leg. The ball was travelling at pace and Ravindra positioned himself to catch it. Unfortunately, he lost sight of the ball in lights and the ball crashed into his face. Ravindra immediately fell as blood flowed from his face. He had to leave the ground and was taken to the designated hospital for further treatment and tests.
The freak accident is now being blamed on poor floodlights at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore with many people including former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif claiming that floodlights were not functioning properly because the LED lights were not properly adjusted.
There is a video doing the rounds on social media channels which purpotedly shows a Rashid Latif in conversation with Dr Nauman Niaz, a Pakistan TV personality, cricket correspondent and author, in which both claimed that "the adjustment of the LED lights at Gaddafi Stadium was not done properly before scheduling the match".
The LED lights have an issue, there is a lot of glare and it is possible to miss the ball when it comes off a bit flat.
According to Dr. Nauman Niaz and Rashid Latif, the adjustment of the LED lights at Gaddafi Stadium was not done properly before scheduling the match. As a result, the incident involving Rachin Ravindra occurred.
Many other cricket enthusiasts too took to the social media to point out that the floodlights were poor and therefore caused the freak incident. The fans are ranting at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the poor floodlights apparently arranged in haste as they attempted to get the infrastructure ready for the Champions Trophy.
PCB should improve the Quality of light in the Ground. Rachin Ravindra misjudges the ball under bad lights and takes a brutal hit near the eye. Hope he recovers soon....।।।.
PCB should improve the Quality of light in the Ground. Rachin Ravindra misjudges the ball under bad lights and takes a brutal hit near the eye. Hope he recovers soon.
One fan took the ICC to task for allowing the PCB to host an international match with such poor floodlights.
How did @ICC allow Pakistan's ground to host international matches?? ICC should ensure players' safety and if Pakistan can't provide shift CHAMPIONS TROPHY to Dubai. Prayers for Rachin Ravindra.
Pakistan went on to lose the opening match of the ODI Tri-series by 78 runs after being bowled out for 252 runs in 47.5 overs with Matt Henry (3-53), captain Mitchell Santner (3-41) and Michael Bracewell (2-41) claiming the wickets.
They were chasing a stiff target after New Zealand rode on some brilliant middle-order batting by Glenn Phillips, who hammered a 74-ball unbeaten 106, while former captain Kane Williamson contributed 58 and Daryl Mitchell scored 81 as the Black Caps reached 330/6 in 50 overs.
A lot of players including Zimbabwe all-rounder Sikandar Raza wished swift recovery for Ravindra.
Sending prayers your way brother for full and swift recovery, Rachin Ravindra #PAKvsNZ.
