'The Pitch Is A Witch': Former Players Rip Into Subpar Conditions of New York Pitch as IND Prevail Against IRE

USA’s introduction to international cricket is turning out to be just as rough as the pitches they have curated so far, as multiple cricketing personalities have spoken out against their unpredictable and subpar nature so far.

After India’s tournament opener against Ireland on Wednesday, where the Men in Blue crossed the finish line of 97 runs to a slogging 8-wicket win in the 13th over, many questions were raised about the pitch presented at the newly-constructed Nassau County Stadium in New York.

Multiple cricketing personalities, famed and from afar had all voiced their concerns over the seemingly subpar maintenance of the New York pitch, which had already been the topic of much discussion lately.

On a pitch that had plenty of bounce and seam, Indian bowlers, led by Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, bundled out Ireland for a paltry 96.

“Trying to sell the game in the states is great.. love it.. but for players to have to play on this sub-standard surface in New York is unacceptable…You work so hard to make it to the WC then have to play on this,” Vaughan wrote on his X handle.

Former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu, who was on commentary for Star Sports, also shared his two cents on the NY pitch, calling it ‘a witch’.

Former Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur also commented on the poor nature of the American pitch, as Pakistan prepares to face the Men in Blue in the same stadium on June 9.

Even former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer added to the debate, poking a sarcastic jab at the NY pitch, stating that it would be ideal to help introduce American audiences to Test cricket rather than T20s.

India bundled out Ireland for 96 runs as Hardik Pandya headlined the bowling performance with a three-fer, while Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah scalped two wickets each.

Arshdeep Singh started off the proceedings to help India with two wickets in the powerplay. Hardik Pandya took charge after the first six overs as he picked up three wickets to return to form. Jasprit Bumrah was at his absolute best as he managed to take two wickets through the final stages while Axar Patel took a blinder of a catch for his lone wicket.

The Men in Blue chased down the target with 46 deliveries to spare as skipper Rohit Sharma led from the front with his unbeaten fifty, while Rishabh Pant added 36 runs to put the finishing touches on the game in 12.2 overs.

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