• Sportzyverse
• T20 World Cup 2024
• 06/06/2024
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Despite escalating concerns over the pitch conditions at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided not to relocate the remaining T20 World Cup matches to other venues. The drop-in pitches, which had not been tested before the tournament, have been heavily criticized for excessively favouring bowlers.

Pitch Issues and Safety Concerns

The problematic nature of the pitches came to light when South Africa bowled Sri Lanka out for 77, followed by India dismissing Ireland for just 96. These low scores have raised significant safety concerns due to the pitches’ unpredictable bounce and two-paced nature.

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According to a BBC report, the Indian team has privately expressed dissatisfaction with the pitch conditions, citing safety worries for their batters. India is scheduled to play Pakistan in a highly anticipated Group A match at the same venue on Sunday, intensifying the scrutiny.

The ICC is currently analyzing data from previous matches to assess the situation. However, there are no plans to move the New York games to Florida or Texas, featuring natural turf pitches. An unused pitch has been earmarked for the India-Pakistan match, with the possibility of changes based on the conditions.

The New York venue, specifically constructed for the T20 World Cup, features ten Tahoma grass pitches imported from Australia. These were installed a few weeks before the tournament. The ICC brought in Australian curator Damien Hough, an expert in drop-in pitches from Adelaide Oval, to prepare the pitches.

Outfield and Boundary Concerns

The outfield, made of Kentucky bluegrass grown in New Jersey and placed atop sand, has exacerbated the pitch issues. The India-Ireland match highlighted these challenges, with balls bouncing at ankle height or rising sharply. Several players, including Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant, sustained injuries. Sharma retired hurt after scoring 52 due to an elbow injury.

Additionally, the venue’s slow outfield and uneven boundary lengths, differing by 10 meters on either side, have further complicated play. During the India-Ireland match, fans were cheering for Ireland to extend the game, hoping to see more of the Indian team bat.

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Concerns also extend to the six drop-in pitches at the practice facility in nearby Cantiague Park. Due to safety concerns, South African batters reportedly preferred throwdowns over facing bowlers in the nets.

The ICC’s decision to stick with the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium comes amid efforts to promote cricket in the United States. However, the criticism from players and experts underscores the need for better preparation and testing of pitches for such high-stakes tournaments.