T20 World Cup 2024: 'Subpar' New York Pitch Draws Ire Of Former Cricketers, Raises Concerns Over Cricket's Appeal

New York, June 5: The pitch at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York continues to face heavy criticism during the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. Labelled a 'sub-standard surface' by former cricketers, the pitch has failed to impress the cricketing fraternity.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan on Wednesday (June 5) harshly criticised the pitch used for the match between India and Ireland, describing it as a "sub-standard surface." Also Read: Amidst Criticism Of USA Pitches, Netherlands Coach Ryan Cook Has This To Say

Subpar New York Pitch Draws Ire Of Former Cricketers

The pitch, which had plenty of bounce and seam, saw Indian bowlers, led by Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh, skittle Ireland out for a meagre 96. Team India then chased down the target of 97 in 16 overs on a surface with, at times, looked dangerous.

"Trying to sell the game in the States is great.. love it.. but for players to have to play on this sub-standard surface in New York is unacceptable...You work so hard to make it to the WC then have to play on this," Vaughan wrote on his X handle.

Echoing Vaughan's sentiments, former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer humorously remarked that the New York pitch seemed like a Test match track disguised as a T20 surface.

"This is an excellent pitch in New York. Provided the idea was to get the American audience hooked on to Test cricket disguised as T20," Jaffer posted on X.

Amid the struggles of other batters, India captain Rohit Sharma delivered a batting masterclass, scoring 52 before retiring hurt. Former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif praised Rohit's performance, calling it a display of the highest order on one of the most challenging pitches. He too criticised the pitch, deeming it a poor advertisement for cricket.

"Applause for Rohit Sharma's half-century. New York easily the most difficult pitch in the world. Not a good advertisement for cricket in US," Kaif posted on X.

Veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle also weighed in, writing on X, "Have to do something about the pitches. Can't imagine India vs Pakistan on this one."

This match marked the second consecutive game in New York where a team was bowled out for under 100 runs. On June 3, South Africa had bowled out Sri Lanka for just 77 on their way to a six-wicket victory.

The drop-in pitch at the venue has been excessively favourable to pace bowlers, as evidenced by South Africa's Anrich Nortje taking four wickets for just seven runs in his four overs against Sri Lanka.

Team India is scheduled to play their next two matches at this venue against Pakistan on June 9 and against co-hosts USA on June 12.