T20 World Cup 2024: ICC Addresses Poor New York Pitch Issues Ahead Of India Vs Pakistan Game

ICC has responded to the criticism hovering around the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium pitches in the ongoing T20 World Cup. The drop-in pitches used in the two matches have generated uneven bounce and teams have also complained about the surface.

The match between Sri Lanka and South Africa was the first to be played on the drop-in pitch. Sri Lanka were bowled out for a paltry 77 and the Proteas chased the target in 16.2 overs.

In the second match Indian bowlers dismissed Ireland for 96 and the Men in Blue didn’t face any hiccups as they won the match by eight wickets. ICC has now addressed the concerns related to the drop-in pitches and they stated they are working to deliver the best possible surface from the next matches.

An ICC statement read, “T20 Inc and the ICC recognise that the pitches used so far at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium have not played as consistently as we would have all wanted.

“The world-class grounds team have been working hard since the conclusion of yesterday’s game to remedy the situation and deliver the best possible surfaces for the remaining matches.”

Indian captain Rohit Sharma had to leave the field as he was hit on the shoulder against Ireland while Rishabh Pant also injured his elbow during the match. Several complaints were raised at the surface as former Zimbabwe cricketer Andy Flower also took a dig at the ICC.

The stadium will now host the South Africa vs Netherlands match on Friday followed by the big game between India vs Pakistan on Sunday. This is the first time that the USA is hosting a showpiece ICC event. BBC reported that the Indian team reportedly voiced their concerns to the ICC following the Ireland game. “India have privately voiced their unhappiness with the unpredictable bounce and two-paced nature of the strips amid worries over the safety of their batters.”

The Nassau County International Cricket Stadium was also prepared in a hurry and Australian curator Damien Hough was given the responsibility by ICC to prepare the drop-in pitches which are currently being used at this venue.