ICC urged to move matches from Florida due to severe flood warnings

Former captain Azhar Ali says current conditions make it unlikely for scheduled matches to proceed as planned

Former Pakistan captain Azhar Ali has urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to move matches from Florida due to severe flood warnings in the state.

In an interview with a local news channel, Azhar pointed out that the current conditions make it unlikely for the scheduled matches to proceed as planned.

"Considering the severe conditions in Florida, it seems improbable that the matches will go ahead. The ICC must take action and relocate the games to a different venue," Azhar remarked.

"Even if it requires hosting two matches at the same venue, I am sure the teams involved have already approached the ICC, requesting a venue change," he added.

Azhar also highlighted ongoing criticism of the ICC regarding the substandard pitches at New York's Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, urging the council to act promptly.

"The ICC needs to respond quickly, and logistically, it should not be too difficult. If the matches in Florida do not take place, the ICC will face increased scrutiny, especially with the existing concerns about pitch quality in New York," he concluded.

Similarly, former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has criticised ICC organisers for the poor playing conditions in New York and the forecasted rain in Lauderhill, Florida.

Latif voiced his concerns on his X account (formerly Twitter), questioning the ICC's decision to schedule matches in Florida during a period known for rain.

"After eight matches in New York where the playing surfaces were subpar (with Canada's 137-7 being the highest total and India's 111-3 the highest run chase), we are now looking at the possibility of three more washouts in Lauderhill, Florida. This is not favourable for the T20 World Cup, for which teams have trained and practised for years!" Latif posted.

In another tweet, Latif added, "How can the T20 World Cup organisers ignore the rain trends in Lauderhill during this period and schedule matches from June 14-16?"