The ICC match referees have shown leniency toward the criticized pitches used during the New York leg of the T20 World Cup, with six out of eight games, including the India versus Pakistan match, receiving a “satisfactory” rating. However, two games at the temporary Nassau County Cricket Stadium, including India’s opening fixture against Ireland, were deemed “unsatisfactory” by the governing body, which remains committed to promoting cricket in the United States.
The pitch used for the Sri Lanka versus South Africa game also received a negative assessment from the match referee.
After a delay, the ICC released the pitch ratings on its website on Tuesday. The tournament ran from June 1 to 29.
All eight matches in New York were low-scoring, leading to severe criticism from experts and fans both during and after the event. The quality of cricket in New York did not serve as an ideal promotion for a sport aiming to establish itself ahead of the Los Angeles Olympics 2028, where it will make its debut.
India played three games in New York, with their match against Canada in Fort Lauderdale being washed out.
The drop-in pitches, prepared in Adelaide by curator Damian Hough and transported to New York, were found to be underprepared, with minimal testing done before the opening game between South Africa and Sri Lanka.
The surfaces were criticized for their unpredictable bounce and sluggish outfield throughout the tournament.
In the eight New York games, the average first innings score was 107.6.
The match referees for the New York games were Ranjan Madugalle, David Boon, Jeff Crowe, and Richie Richardson.
The pitch for India’s Super 8 game against Afghanistan in Barbados was rated “satisfactory,” with only the final match’s surface being deemed “very good.”
Out of the 52 games played in the competition, only three were rated “unsatisfactory,” including the semi-final between Afghanistan and South Africa in Trinidad, where Afghanistan was bowled out for 56.
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