UXBRIDGE, Aug 24: Heavy overnight rain has forced the cancellation of Pakistan's preparations on Thursday for the one-day series against England. Pakistan were due to play Middlesex but overnight rain in Uxbridge had left the ground wet and it was considered unfit to play on.

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.”

The decision came as a big disappointment to the crowd of around 500 inside the ground.

The 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.—AFP