Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has declared a state of emergency following life-threatening flash floods, disrupting travel and leaving the Sri Lankan cricket team stranded amidst their participation in the T20 World Cup.Heavy rainfall has wreaked havoc in Fort Lauderdale, leading to a state of emergency declaration as flash floods threaten critical infrastructure, including major highways and airports. Local authorities have grounded hundreds of flights, impacting travel to and from South Florida airports.
The Sri Lankan cricket team, in the city for the T20 World Cup, has faced significant delays due to the adverse weather conditions. Their scheduled departure to the Caribbean islands has been postponed, affecting their preparations for a crucial match against Netherlands in St Lucia on Monday, June 17. Despite challenges, Sri Lanka retains hopes of advancing to the Super 8 stage, having won one of their three group matches.
Fort Lauderdale’s Central Broward Regional Park, a key venue for the T20 World Cup, has seen disruptions with the first scheduled game, Sri Lanka vs Nepal, washed out due to heavy rains.
In Group A of the tournament, Pakistan and USA are battling for advancement. USA, currently second with four points but a reduced Net Run Rate (NRR), face Ireland on Friday. Pakistan, on the other hand, will confront Ireland on Sunday, needing a win and favorable results elsewhere to progress.
India leads Group A, having secured their spot in the Super 8 stage. The unfolding weather conditions in Fort Lauderdale add a layer of uncertainty to the tournament, with Pakistan eyeing a pathway to the next round despite the challenging circumstances.
As Fort Lauderdale grapples with emergency measures and weather-related disruptions, the T20 World Cup faces logistical challenges, impacting teams and tournament dynamics alike. The situation continues to evolve, with stakeholders closely monitoring developments to ensure the safety and smooth operation of the event.