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Fog wreaked havoc in Multan when PAK vs WI Test was hit by a major delay on Day 1

Akshita Patel

When fog delayed play in Multan [Source: @ShakeelktkKhan/X.com]When fog delayed play in Multan [Source: @ShakeelktkKhan/X.com]

Winters in the subcontinent region always bring disruption due to foggy conditions. It often affects sports events too, and the first Test between Pakistan and the West Indies in Multan was disrupted by the same issue earlier this year.

The match was scheduled to begin on the morning of January 17, 2025. Due to heavy fog on the ground, the conditions were unsafe to allow play.

When fog led to an unusual delay in Multan

Although players from both teams were seen warming up and inspecting the outfield, the umpires decided not to proceed with the toss due to extremely low visibility. 

As a precautionary measure, the ground staff kept the pitch covered to prevent it from absorbing moisture. 

Interestingly, before the original start of play was due to commence, the West Indies team performed the cap presentation ceremony under the assumption there would be time for the match to take place.

However, seeing the fog did not clear, both teams were obliged to go back to their dressing rooms.

Ground staff closely monitored the situation and repeatedly checked conditions, but visibility did not improve until around 12:00 PM local time, nearly two hours after the original start.  

At one stage, covers were brought back onto the pitch as officials feared prolonged exposure could affect playing conditions. 

Locals at the venue suggested that the chances of getting more than four hours of play looked slim, especially with winter days being shorter in Multan and the sun setting early.

But by noon, the fog slowly began to clear, and ground staff resumed preparations with the hope of salvaging some action later in the day. 

The match eventually started at 1:30 PM 

Eventually, the fog cleared up in the late afternoon, and the toss was scheduled at 1:00 PM, and the first ball was officially bowled at 1:30 PM local time. 

So nearly two sessions were lost. Only 42 overs could be bowled on Day 1, as the early stumps were called due to bad light at 4:47 PM local time.