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Dharamsala Outfield Deemed Safe For ENG-BAN Match Despite 'Average Rating'

image-lnil3qlfHPCA Dharamshala. (X.com) 

The seventh match of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, scheduled between England and Bangladesh at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala on October 10, will proceed as planned, despite the Dharamshala stadium receiving an 'Average' rating from the ICC.

Dharamshala made its debut in hosting an ODI World Cup match during the contest between Bangladesh and Afghanistan, a match that saw Bangladesh securing a resounding victory. 

However, post-match discussions revolved around the condition of the playing surface at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, particularly the outfield, which had been described as sandy, posing potential risks to player safety.

These concerns were further exacerbated when Afghanistan's spinner, Mujeeb ur Rahman, narrowly escaped a severe injury during the game. Rahman's left knee got caught in the sandy outfield as he attempted to save a boundary. 

Dharamsala pitch gets its verdict

The incident was marked by a puff of sand and gravel almost engulfing the fielder, raising serious safety questions about the outfield's quality.

The issue gained prominence when Afghanistan's coach, Jonathan Trott, criticized the outfield conditions, expressing concerns about player confidence in diving and fielding under such conditions. Trott emphasized the global emphasis on improving fielding in cricket and noted that players' apprehensions about potential injuries could hinder progress.

Despite these concerns, the ICC has now assessed and rated the outfield as 'Average,' allowing the ground to proceed without sanctions. Match Referee Javagal Srinath, responsible for the next game, concurred with this assessment. 

According to a spokesperson, the ICC's independent pitch consultant has reviewed the outfield and found it to be in acceptable conditions, aligning with the Match Referee's evaluation.

“The ICC independent pitch consultant has taken a look at the outfield today and is comfortable with the conditions as is Javagal Srinath, the Match Referee for the next game.”

Notably, the Dharamshala stadium had re-laid its outfield, especially near the boundary, in preparation for the tournament. The venue is also set to host four more World Cup matches in the coming days, including the big game between India and New Zealand match scheduled for October 22.