ICC Breaks Silence Over Criticism Surrounding India vs Ireland Pitch In T20 World Cup

The Nassau County ground's track, which is "bordering on dangerous with huge open cracks", has become a concern in the ongoing T20 World Cup and the ICC on Thursday conceded that the tracks used so far "have not played as consistently as we would have all wanted". The concerns were heightened after India opened their campaign with an eight-wicket win in a low-scoring match against Ireland, who were bowled out of 96 in just 16 overs. India skipper Rohit Sharma, who scored a half century in the successful chase, was hit on his right bicep by pacer Josh Little and was forced to retire hurt. The ball that struck him suddenly took off from length on a pitch that offered a great degree of uneven bounce. Rishabh Pant was also hit on his left elbow during his 36 not out.

Injury scare aside, the nature of the pitch, a drop-in one brought from Adelaide specifically for the World Cup, has raised eyebrows. India are scheduled to play two more games at this stadium.

Several former players like Irfan Pathan, Michael Vaughan and Sanjay Manjrekar called the track unsuitable for T20s especially when the event is being promoted as cricket's entry into the unexplored American territory.

"T20 Inc and the ICC recognise that the pitches used so far at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium have not played as consistently as we would have all wanted," the ICC said in a statement.

"The world-class grounds team have been working hard since the conclusion of yesterday's game to remedy the situation and deliver the best possible surfaces for the remaining matches," it added.

Rohit, meanwhile, is expected to be fit for the marquee clash against Pakistan on Sunday.

"Rohit's injury isn't serious. He himself said that it's a bit sore. He