The upcoming T20 World Cup match between arch-rivals India and Pakistan has taken centre stage for more than just cricketing reasons. The highly anticipated encounter, scheduled for Sunday at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, has been overshadowed by concerns about the pitch’s condition.
A Pitch Under Scrutiny
The New York pitch has been under heavy criticism throughout the tournament. The low-scoring affair between Sri Lanka and South Africa, where Sri Lanka was dismissed for a paltry 77 runs, raised initial eyebrows. This was followed by another concerning incident during India‘s match against Ireland. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma was forced to retire hurt after being struck on the forearm due to the uneven bounce of the pitch.
Former England coach Andy Flower didn’t mince words, calling the pitch “bordering on dangerous.” He described the deliveries skidding through and causing discomfort to batsmen. Following India’s match, an unofficial complaint was lodged regarding the pitch conditions.
The ICC acknowledged the issue in an official statement, admitting that the pitches haven’t been consistent. They claimed the grounds team was working diligently to “remedy the situation” for the remaining matches.
Desperate Measures for a High-Profile Match
With the India-Pakistan clash holding immense importance, a report by Times London revealed some “desperate measures” taken by the organisers to avoid moving the match. The uneven bounce, attributed to grassy veins in the track, presented a significant challenge. In a last-minute attempt to improve the surface, the grounds team reportedly used a roller to push back the grassy veins and flatten the pitch. This approach aims to create a more consistent bounce for the high-profile encounter.
The situation highlights the delicate balancing act faced by organisers in international cricket. While ensuring a high-quality playing surface is paramount, logistical considerations and the importance of certain matches sometimes necessitate quick fixes. Whether the last-minute measures undertaken in New York will be enough to deliver a fair and safe playing surface for the India-Pakistan clash remains to be seen. Fans will be eagerly awaiting the outcome of this high-voltage match and the role the pitch ultimately plays.
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