The ICC has admitted the pitches at Nassau County International Cricket Ground in New York have been subpar and is working to “remedy” the issue for the remaining T20 World Cup games.
In a statement on Thursday, following India and Ireland’s group game on a challenging wicket, the ICC acknowledged 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 has been working diligently since the conclusion of Wednesday’s game to improve the surfaces for upcoming matches.
The new venue in New York, a pop-up stadium constructed in parkland within five months, debuted on June 3 with a game between South Africa and Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka was dismissed for 77 on pitch no. 1, with South Africa chasing down the target in 16.2 overs. On June 5, India bowled Ireland out for 96 on pitch no. 4. Despite winning by eight wickets, India’s Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant suffered body blows, with Rohit retiring hurt after being hit on the arm. Ireland’s Harry Tector was also struck on the finger by a sharp bouncer from Jasprit Bumrah.
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Following the India-Ireland game, former cricketers heavily criticized the pitch, with Andy Flower calling it “bordering on dangerous” on ESPNcricinfo’s Timeout show.
Pitches no. 2 and 3 remain unused, with one surface observed to have had its grass shaved off. The venue is set to host six more group games, including the highly anticipated India versus Pakistan match on June 9.
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