A state of emergency has been declared in Fort Lauderdale due to the life-threatening flash floods in Florida. Hundreds of flights bound to and from South Florida airports have been grounded by the local authorities. As a result, the Sri Lankan cricket team, which is currently taking part in the T20 World Cup, was left stranded in the city. Fort Lauderdale is one of the three venues in USA scheduled to host the T20 World Cup matches. It will host three important games involving India, Pakistan and USA. The first game in the city -- Sri Lanka vs Nepal -- was also washed out due to heavy rain in and around the stadium.
Pakistan T20 WC Chances: USA vs Ireland Live Updates and Live Score
"Preliminary reports indicate that the rainfall and flooding has affected and may continue to impact the operational capability of critical infrastructure, including major interstates, state and county roadways, airports, schools, and other critical infrastructure throughout these counties," Ron DeSantis, the governor of Florida, said in the declaration.
Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis has also declared state of emergency.
The Sri Lankan team was supposed to fly out from Fort Lauderdale to the Caribbean islands on Wednesday, but heavy rain and flooding has forced them to delay their departure.
Sri Lanka will play Netherlands at St Lucia in their final group game on Monday, June 17. They have lost two of their three games so far, but have an outside chance of making it to the Super 8 stage.
Why Pakistan might get knocked out due to "State of Emergency"?
Meanwhile, the Central Broward Regional Park in Fort Lauderdale is set to host key games this week, with Pakistan and USA both fighting for a place in the next round from Group A.
While USA play Ireland on Friday, Pakistan take on the same opponents on Sunday. If USA beat Ireland or the match gets washed out, they will join India as the second team from Group A to qualify for the Super 8. A washed out game will see USA and Ireland get one point each. Hence, USA will reach five points while the maximum Pakistan can reach is four points.
It means Pakistan's game on Sunday will have zero relevance as they will get knocked out, if USA vs Ireland game in Florida is abandoned due to rain.
However, if USA lose to Ireland, Pakistan can write their own destiny when they face the Irish on Sunday.
India continue to lead Group A with six points from three games (NRR +1.137). The Rohit Sharma-led side is assured of a Super 8 berth. USA are still second with four points from three games but their NRR has reduced to +0.127. This is a major good news for Pakistan as their NRR is now better that USA's.
This means that Pakistan can qualify for T20 World Cup 2024 Super Eight stage even if they beat Ireland by a narrow margin in their last Group A match on Sunday, provided USA lose to the same team on Friday.