England vs Pakistan 1st T20I at Leeds has been called off

Persistent rain saw the first Twenty20 international between England and Pakistan at Headingley on Wednesday abandoned without a ball being bowled.

The match was meant to be the springboard for reigning champions England’s defense of their T20 World Cup title in the Caribbean and the United States next month.

But heavy and prolonged rain in Leeds prompted the referees to call off the game around an hour before kick-off scheduled for 1730 GMT.

The four-match series against Pakistan, the team England beat to win the T20 World Cup 2022 final in Melbourne, will now continue at Birmingham’s Edgbaston ground on Saturday, ahead of next week’s games in Cardiff and the Oval.

England were also the defending champions heading into last year’s 50-over World Cup in India, but Jos Buttler’s men suffered a soft exit, losing six of their nine matches.

The Pakistan T20 series could see England fast bowler Jofra Archer return to international duty. Injuries have blighted the quick’s career, with elbow and back problems sidelining the 29-year-old from top-level cricket for 14 months.