Bhogle, Vaughan slam New York pitch ahead of India, Pakistan T20 World Cup clash

India secured a convincing eight-wicket victory over Ireland in their first 2024 T20 World Cup match, but the primary topic of discussion post-game was the condition of the pitch at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.

The uneven bounce of the pitch led to Indian captain Rohit Sharma retiring hurt, and Rishabh Pant sustaining multiple blows.

Rohit Sharma commented on the pitch during the post-match presentation, saying, "I don't know what to expect from the pitch. That's why we decided to bowl first, to see how it plays out."

Renowned cricket journalist Harsha Bhogle also weighed in, tweeting, "Have to do something about the pitches. Can't imagine India vs Pakistan on this one."

Ireland struggled on the challenging pitch, getting bowled out for just 97 runs. The Indian pacers capitalized on the conditions, with Hardik Pandya taking three wickets, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh two each, and Mohammad Siraj one.

Former Indian cricketer and commentator Navjot Singh Sidhu added his signature humor to the conversation, quipping, "This New York pitch is a witch."

Michael Vaughan and Wasim Jaffer also expressed their dissatisfaction with the playing surface. Vaughan tweeted, "For players to have to play on this substandard surface in New York is unacceptable."

Looking ahead, the much-anticipated clash between Pakistan and India is scheduled for Sunday at the same venue.