Pakistan-India T20 World Cup pitch in New York rated 'satisfactory' by ICC

The drop-in pitches at Nassau County Ground faced scrutiny for inconsistent bounce throughout the tournament

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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rated the pitch and outfield for the high-profile 2024 T20 World Cup match between Pakistan and India in New York as "satisfactory." This eagerly anticipated encounter, held on June 9, saw India narrowly edge out Pakistan in a tightly contested, low-scoring affair. India was bowled out for 119, while Pakistan managed just 113-7 in their 20 overs.

Throughout the tournament, the drop-in pitches at Nassau County Ground faced significant scrutiny due to their inconsistent bounce, which led to challenges and injuries for players. The venue’s first match, between Sri Lanka and South Africa, underscored these issues: Sri Lanka struggled on a sluggish wicket, posting only 77 runs in 19.1 overs, while South Africa took 16.2 overs to chase down the modest target.

The ICC acknowledged these concerns, particularly following the India-Ireland game, where Indian captain Rohit Sharma had to retire hurt after a blow to his hand. In response, the ICC stated that the pitches at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium had not performed as consistently as anticipated.

On August 20, the ICC released its official ratings for the T20 World Cup pitches and outfields. While the pitch used for the India-Ireland match was rated "unsatisfactory," the pitch for the India-Pakistan clash received a "satisfactory" rating. This rating came as a surprise to many, given the earlier criticisms.

The ICC’s evaluation process involves post-match assessments by match referees, who rate the pitch and outfield. If a pitch or outfield is deemed "substandard," the home board and venue are required to explain the reasons behind its performance. A rating of "unsatisfactory" or "unfit" could lead to sanctions from the ICC.

In total, eight games were played at the New York venue during the T20 World Cup. The first two matches, Sri Lanka-South Africa and India-Ireland, received "unsatisfactory" ratings. However, the subsequent games, including the high-stakes India-Pakistan match, were rated as "satisfactory," indicating an improvement in pitch conditions as the tournament progressed.