As Rain Stops Play at ICC World Cup, What About Ticket Refunds?

India and New Zealand came to Trent Bridge unbeaten and left unbeaten due to persistent showers.

A fan looks skywards after rain delayed start of the Cricket World Cup match between India and New Zealand at Trent Bridge in Nottingham.

(Photo: AP)

India played down its abandoned match against Cricket World Cup 2019 leader New Zealand as any setback before its blockbuster showdown with Pakistan this weekend.

India and New Zealand came to Trent Bridge unbeaten and left unbeaten after persistent showers forced their compelling match-up on Thursday, 13 June, to be cancelled at about 3 pm local time, more than 4 hours after its scheduled start.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli said that the players are much less hyped about the match than their fans.

While India and New Zealand split the competition points, what happened to the fans who paid for tickets only had a view of a covered pitch?

What Happens to Refund?

It's the fourth match of eight to be washed out in the past week, after two abandonments in Bristol and a rain out of the South Africa-West Indies game after 7.3 overs.

As per International Cricket Council (ICC) website, "If play is restricted or does not take place of the venue on the day for which a ticket is valid, including any Reserve Day, the Ticket purchaser may claim a refund of the Original Sale Price of that Ticket (excluding fees) subject to there being:

• 15 overs or less because of adverse weather conditions – a full refund
• 15.1 overs to 29.5 overs because of adverse weather conditions – a 50% refund

When Does a Ticket Become Non-Refundable?

The ICC's rain policy said, "If you purchased tickets via the Official ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2019 ticket website, your refund will be issued automatically within 28 days and the amount will be credited to the card you purchased tickets with. You do not need to take any further action.

However, for the fans who "purchased their tickets from the Venue Box Office on the day of the match and require a refund because of a rain affected match."

Does ICC Lose Money?

The ICC does not have to worry about losing its money refunding the tickets if rain plays a spoilsport.

According to Business Standard, the international cricket body is protected by rain insurance cover. This means that it will be compensated for the refunds that are required to pay to the ticket holders.

However there is no return if 30 overs are played.

(With inputs from Business Standard)