The T20 World Cup 2024, held in the United States, ended with exhilarating matches and saw Team India clinching the title against South Africa. However, nearly two months after the tournament’s conclusion, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has released a significant decision regarding the pitches used during the event. The ICC evaluated six pitches, with two receiving positive ratings. Notably, the pitch used in the final match between India and South Africa was rated as ‘excellent.’ However, the ICC raised concerns about three other pitches used throughout the tournament.
Concerns over Three Pitches
The ICC declared the pitch used for the match between South Africa and Sri Lanka on June 3 as ‘unsatisfactory.’ Sri Lanka managed to score only 77 runs in that match, raising questions about the pitch conditions. Following this, the pitch used for the match between Ireland and India on June 5 also received an ‘unsatisfactory’ label from the ICC. In this game, Ireland could only muster 97 runs, and it was reported that Indian captain Rohit Sharma suffered an injury while batting, which added to the concerns. Both of these matches took place at Nassau County in New York.
Evaluation of the Semi-Final Pitch
The ICC also expressed dissatisfaction with the pitch used in the semi-final match between Afghanistan and South Africa. This knockout game was characterized by difficulties for the batsmen, as the Afghan team collapsed for just 56 runs. South Africa chased down the target with one wicket in hand, but their batsmen struggled to find their rhythm as well. The match took place in Trinidad and Tobago, further emphasizing the issues with the pitch quality.
Summary of Pitch Ratings
| Match | Date | Teams | Pitch Rating | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa vs Sri Lanka | June 3 | South Africa, Sri Lanka | Unsatisfactory | Only 77 runs scored by Sri Lanka |
| Ireland vs India | June 5 | Ireland, India | Unsatisfactory | Rohit Sharma injured, Ireland scored 97 runs |
| Aghanistan vs South Africa (Semi-Final) | Date unspecified | Afghanistan, South Africa | Unsatisfactory | Afghanistan scored 56 runs |
| India vs South Africa (Final) | Date unspecified | India, South Africa | Excellent | Thrilling finish, India crowned champions |
Conclusion
The ratings from the ICC highlight the importance of pitch quality in major tournaments, as it significantly affects gameplay and player performance. The concerns raised over particularly poor pitches reflect a need for better pitch preparation and management in future events to ensure a fair and competitive environment for all teams.
