Kashmir minimum temperature rises, snowfall in higher reaches drops day temperature
Srinagar (PTI): The minimum temperature across Kashmir rose by 2 to 7 degrees Celsius, but snowfall in higher reaches significantly brought down the day temperature, officials said on Saturday.
The minimum temperature in Srinagar city increased by 5.5 degrees, from minus 2.5 degrees Celsius on Thursday night to 3.0 degrees on Friday night, the officials added.
Gulmarg ski resort in north Kashmir's Baramulla district recorded a low of minus 6.5 degrees Celsius, making it the coldest place in the valley.
In Pahalgam, a tourist resort in south Kashmir and base camp for the Amarnath yatra, the minimum temperature rose by 7 degrees, from minus 7.5 degrees Celsius to minus 0.5 degrees Celsius.
Other areas saw the following minimum temperatures: Qazigund at 0.6 degrees Celsius, Kokernag at minus 0.4 degrees Celsius, and Kupwara at 1.4 degrees Celsius.
Fresh snowfall was reported in the higher reaches of Gulmarg and Sonamarg tourist resort in Ganderbal district, and adjoining areas, last night, the officials said. A slight drizzle occurred in the early hours of Saturday in the plains of the valley.
The snow and rain caused a significant drop in daytime temperatures, with dense clouds covering the sky.
A 20-day 'Chillai Khurd' (small cold) began last week, following the conclusion of the 40-day harshest winter period, 'Chillai-Kalan'. This will be followed by the 10-day 'Chillai Bachha' (baby cold).
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PCB to consult its govt on Sri Lanka's request to reconsider India match boycott: sources
Karachi (PTI): Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to again consult its government to decide on the Sri Lankan counterpart's request to reconsider the boycott of the match against India in the T20 World Cup on February 15 in Colombo.
The Pakistan government has allowed the PCB to send the national team to the T20 World Cup but stopped it from playing against India, which is commercially the biggest match for the ICC and its broadcasters.
This has led to Sri Lanka Cricket sending an email to PCB, saying not having the February 15 marquee match between the arch-rivals will cause financial losses to the SLC and also hurt the organisation and image of the tournament in the island country which is jointly hosting the showpiece with India.
Pakistan is playing all its games in Colombo and Pallekele, starting with their match against Netherlands on Saturday.
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“Obviously Pakistan has always enjoyed very close and friendly ties with Sri Lanka at the government to government and cricket level. So the mail from their Board can’t be ignored just like that,” a source aware of the developments said on Saturday.
“Mohsin Naqvi has been contacted directly by the Sri Lankan Board President Shammi Silva and been reminded that at this time Sri Lanka need Pakistan to step up for them as without Pakistan and India matches, the Sri Lankan Board would stand to lose extra revenues from gate money, hospitality sales etc,” the source added.
The source said that Naqvi had assured his counterpart (Shammi Silva) he would consult the government and get back to him.
He said media reports that Pakistan had also rejected Sri Lanka’s request were not correct.
“PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has not even been in the country since yesterday and is due back today. He will bring the email to the notice of the Prime Minister on ending the boycott of the India match and then a decision would be made on the matter by Monday,” the source said.
He noted that as recently as last November, the Sri Lankan government had firmly stood with Pakistan when some of its players wanted to return home from a tour of Pakistan because of security concerns.
“Not only the Sri Lankan Board but the government directed the players to complete the white ball tour.”
