T20 World Cup 2024: Pitch safety in question ahead of Pakistan, India clash

Pakistan and India are set to face each other in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 on June 9, Saturday in New York.

As the much-anticipated clash approaches, concerns have surfaced regarding the safety of the pitch at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium.

Two matches of the World Cup have already been played on the drop-in pitch, revealing signs of inconsistency, particularly evident in the variable bounce. 

Former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik expressed his apprehensions regarding the pitch.

"It's not the best of pitches. T20 cricket as a format is generally tilted in favour of the batters. This one is tilted in favour of the bowlers but not for the right reasons. It is spongy and the odd one bounces over the head. Then it stays low too. Does not make for good viewing. This pitch hasn't settled," Karthik said on Cricbuzz.

"It was made in Adelaide, kept at Miami because the weather is better there and then re-laid in New York two weeks back. Drop-in pitches are new, and has done well, especially in Australia. But here it hasn't settled. It will be a point people will be talking about ahead of the big match (India vs Pakistan) in a few days," he further added.

Renowned commentator Harsha Bhogle echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the potential danger posed by the unpredictable pitch conditions. 

"It could get dangerous. Karthik was really polite when he said it’s not the best. There was one ball that their [Ireland's] NO. 10 or 11 face. His weight was forward and the ball went over his head. It's all dangerous at this level,” Bhogle said.

It is worth noting that the pitch, initially constructed in Adelaide, was relocated to Miami for better weather conditions before being re-laid in New York just two weeks ago. While drop-in pitches have proven successful, particularly in Australia, the current surface in New York has failed to settle properly, raising concerns among players and commentators alike.