Was the SL vs PAK 3rd T20I worth the injury risk with the T20 world cup looming?

Rain‑truncated fixtures are part of cricket’s fabric, but what unfolded during the third T20I between Sri Lanka and Pakistan at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium was fraught with risk. 

A 12‑over‑a‑side fixture played on a visibly soggy outfield repeatedly pushed players into dangerous territory. The decision to get on with the game in damp conditions felt like an unnecessary gamble, one that could easily have cost either side a key player at the threshold of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

A soggy outfield that put players at risk

Right from the outset, it was evident that the outfield was characterized by significant risk and could have led to a mishap, resulting in a serious injury.

Sahibzada Farhan’s feet stick in the damp outfield

The second delivery of the match gave a glimpse of how difficult it was going to be for the fielders, especially those who were manning the fence.

Naseem Shah bowled a slightly short of good length ball that sat up well for Kamil Mishara, allowing him to free his arms. Mishara lashed onto it and slashed it between gully and point.

Shahibzada Farhan, who was stationed at wide third, scampered to his right and overran the ball as his boot got stuck in the damp outfield. What should have been a simple stop became a slip that sent him off balance and gifted Sri Lanka four runs. More importantly, it was the first sign that the surface was unstable and capable of causing something far more serious than a misfield.

Mohammad Nawaz’s knee jars in the soggy outfield  

While Farhan's moment appeared as just another instance of a player losing his footing in a damp outfield, the scariest moment of the game came when Mohammad Nawaz assisted Faheem Ashraf in getting rid of Charith Asalanka.

As Nawaz slid to complete the catch on the first ball of the 10th over, his right knee got stuck in the damp outfield, twisting awkwardly. What should have been a regulation catch in dry conditions might have led to a ligament tear.

These were glaring signs and begged a question: Was the fixture worth the injury risk, with the T20 World Cup just a few weeks away?

Evidence from the past: How wet outfields can lead to hazards

Governing bodies around the world do not need reminders of how hazardous it can be to conduct a game in wet conditions, as cricket's history is filled with numerous such instances.

Pratika Rawal’s ankle injury, Women’s World Cup 2025

Pratika Rawal twisted her ankle badly while her right foot got stuck in the damp outfield during India's last league game against Bangladesh during the ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025 at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on October 26. The match was reduced to 27 overs per side due to persistent drizzle.

The incident unfolded on the final ball of the 21st over as she tried to prevent a swipe from Sharmin Akter from going to the fence at cow corner. Pratika clutched her ankle and grimaced with pain before hobbling off the field alongside the team physio and her teammates.

She couldn't take any further part in the game and was ruled out for the remainder of the tournament, with India replacing her with Shafali Verma. Notably, the game against Bangladesh was inconsequential as India were going to finish fourth on the table irrespective of the result.

Chris Woakes’ shoulder dislocation at The Oval

Chasing a ball on a greasy outfield at The Oval on the opening day of the fifth Test against India in July last year, Chris Woakes' hand slipped as he tried to brace himself, sending him crashing awkwardly onto his left shoulder. Woakes clutched his left shoulder in pain as England's physio Ben Davies rushed to comfort him.

He used his jumper as a makeshift sling while trudging off to the dressing room, and couldn't manage to bowl a single delivery after the incident. That turned out to be his last game for the Three Lions before he announced his retirement in September.

Munaf Patel’s ankle injury in 2011

Former India pacer Munaf Patel had suffered a nasty ankle injury during the fifth ODI between India and England at Sofia Gardens in Cardiff on September 16, 2011.

Munaf’s setback remains one of the biggest examples of how treacherous wet outfields can be. A simple chase turned dangerous when he slipped across a damp, painted sponsor logo, injuring his ankle badly enough to end his participation in the match. It proved to be the last game of Munaf's international career.