(AFP Photo)
The ICC has pledged to rectify any issues with the pitch at Nassau County Stadium following widespread criticism of its uneven and subpar conditions. The venue is set to host the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan clash on Sunday, and the ICC is committed to addressing concerns before the match.
Initially, there were discussions about relocating the game to another venue due to the pitch’s issues. However, organizers have opted for remedial measures to address the uneven bounce problem instead. Relocating the match posed challenges, including reimbursing tickets for a fully sold-out 30,000-capacity stadium, which led to the decision to stay put.
The consequences of the organizers’ oversight have affected players who have already taken the field, including Indian captain Rohit Sharma, who was forced to retire hurt during the match against Ireland.
Following the match, the ICC released an official statement acknowledging the complaints and assuring that the pitch will be tended to.
“T20 inc [the organising committee] 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 statement read. “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”, read the statement from ICC.
The irregular bounce on the pitch has been linked to the presence of grassy veins, prompting measures to address the issue. To remedy this, the pitches will undergo top-dressing and leveling to flatten them and reduce the impact of these veins.
Although this may not result in the perfect pitch or resolve all concerns, it represents a step towards providing a safer and more suitable playing surface for the imminent clash between India and Pakistan tomorrow.
For over fifty years, the intense rivalry between the neighboring nations has been fueled by passion, aggression, and a strong aversion to defeat. The emergence of white-ball cricket has further ignited this rivalry, especially as both teams frequently clashed at neutral venues during the 1980s and 90s.
Now, another chapter is about to unfold as both sides prepare to battle it out at Nassau County Stadium in New York on Sunday.
