T20 World Cup: ICC have ‘no fears’ over pitches at temporary New York stadium

International Cricket Council (ICC) officials have “no fears” over the pitches being used at a temporary stadium in New York for the men’s T20 World Cup.

The finishing touches are being applied to the 34,000-seat stadium in Eisenhower Park in Nassau County, east of Manhattan, with the tournament just over a fortnight away.

Four drop-in pitches are now in place at the venue which is set to host eight World Cup matches, including a highly-anticipated meeting between India and Pakistan.

Six other drop-in pitches have also been installed in nearby practice facilities.

The two other grounds in the United States being used to stage matches – in Texas and Florida – already have natural turf wickets in place.

Adelaide Oval pitch curator Damian Hough was tasked by the ICC with growing the pitches in Australia and transporting them to New York via Florida.

The Australian acknowledged the “the proof will be in the pudding”, but currently has “no concerns” over the pitches as the tournament edges closer.

“Two and a half weeks out from the first game we’re very happy and have nothing to worry about,” said Hough.

“There’s no fears. Some of the best pitches in the world are drop-in pitches. We can build them anywhere.”

Chris Tetley, head of events at the ICC, said the playing field at the stadium was “not a token size” but a “fully-fledged international standard cricket ground” with dimensions of 75 yards east and west, and 67 yards north and south.

“We are around about as big as the Gabba, or The Oval or Wankhede Stadium in terms of playing area,” he added.