Past instances

HT lists a few past instances when excessive sun played spoilsport in a cricket match.

Sept 24, 2016

(KANPUR) The Green Park pitch too has an east-west alignment. During the India-New Zealand Test, play had to be called off at 4.45pm on the third day due to a blinding setting sun despite planned extended session to make up for the loss of overs.

January 19, 2019

(NAPIER) The Super Smash T20 League match between Central Stags and Canterbury Kings had to be temporarily suspended during the seventh over of the Central Stags innings with Dean Foxcroft on strike.

July 27, 1995

(MANCHESTER) Legendary umpire Dickie Bird — along with Cyril Mitchley — had to take early tea on the first day of the fourth Test between England and West Indies because he felt the sunlight that reflected off a greenhouse in the practice grounds was too strong for the batsmen.

December 4, 1996

(GUJRANWALA)

The first ODI between Pakistan and New Zealand had a delayed start. The match was reduced to 46 overs per side due to the rising sun shining in the batsmen’s eyes.

June 26, 2006

(DERBYSHIRE) Due to persistent problems caused by the setting sun, Derby had asked permission from the ECB to bowl all their overs from one end during a game against Lancashire if the setting sun played spoilsport. The request was turned down and fortunately, the sun didn’t appear. But the club ultimately re-laid the playing square in the north-south axis in 2009-10 winter season.