Pakistan forced to call off Middlesex match due to Rain
Pakistan Times Sports Desk

LONDON (UK): Pakistan's preparations for the one-day series against England were hampered when their tour match against Middlesex was called off on Thursday.

Heavy overnight rain in Uxbridge had left the ground wet and it was considered unfit to play on.

Pakistan had threatened not to play the series because of the ball-tampering controversy but they did turn up to play in west London.

The one-day series is due to start on Monday with a Twenty20 International.
They are also set to play five one-day internationals against England.

Thursday's match would have been the first time they had played since refusing to come out for the final session of The Oval Test on Sunday in protest against being accused of ball-tampering.

Middlesex coach John Emburey said: "It's just not going to dry. It was a mutual decision with the two captains, the coaches and the umpires.

"The pitch is still very damp and it's not conducive to play cricket, someone could get hurt.

"It would be unfair on the public if we would make them hang around."

About 500 spectators were inside the ground when the match was called off.·