The criticism about the pitch

The Nassau County International Cricket Stadium pitch, where India faced Ireland, has sparked controversy due to its perceived dangers. Former cricketers Irfan Pathan and Micheal Vaughan have condemned the pitch, labelling it as unsafe for players.

Pathan expressed his concerns, stating that such a pitch would prompt significant repercussions if it were in India. He emphasised the importance of player safety, especially in high-stakes tournaments like the World Cup.

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma's injury further highlighted the pitch's hazards when he was struck on the right bicep by a delivery from Ireland's Josh Little. Despite retiring hurt after scoring 50 runs, Sharma is expected to recover without missing any further matches.

Vaughan echoed Pathan's sentiments, criticising the decision to subject players to such substandard conditions. He emphasised the disappointment of having to play on a surface that does not meet international standards, especially in a prestigious tournament like the World Cup.

Sharma, in his post-match remarks, expressed his uncertainty about the pitch's quality, highlighting the challenges of playing on a surface that had not been used for five months. He noted that even during India's innings, the pitch did not settle, providing significant assistance to bowlers.

The criticism surrounding the pitch underscores the importance of maintaining high standards in cricketing venues, particularly in major tournaments where player safety and fair play are paramount concerns.