Cricket fans eagerly awaiting the high-stakes ICC Champions Trophy clash between Pakistan and India can breathe a sigh of relief as weather forecasts suggest that rain is unlikely to disrupt the much-anticipated fixture.
The match, scheduled to take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday (February 23), has been the subject of speculation following recent rainfall in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Light showers and hail were reported earlier this week in Ras Al Khaimah’s Jabal Jais, the country’s highest peak. However, these weather conditions did not affect the Bangladesh-India encounter on Thursday.
According to the UAE’s Meteorological Department, partly cloudy conditions and light rain are expected on Sunday night and Monday morning. However, meteorologists believe that if any precipitation occurs in Dubai, it will be brief and unlikely to interfere with the match.
The temperature during the day is forecasted to reach 33 degrees Celsius, with nighttime temperatures dropping to around 20 degrees Celsius. Reports also indicate that the evening temperature may dip further to 23 degrees Celsius.
With no reserve day allocated for the group stage matches of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, a washout could complicate Pakistan’s qualification scenario. The contest is a must-win for Babar Azam’s men, as a defeat would jeopardize their chances of advancing to the knockout stage.
