ICC T20 World Cup: SCG drama raises ICC's eyebrows ahead of T20 WC

The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) is giving ICC Men's T20 World Cup organisers some sleepless nights. According to reports, a local match at SCG was shifted due to damage to the pitch. The organisers are worried about the condition of the pitches ahead of the T20 World Cup, which will be held on Australian soil next year. Earlier this week, one of the domestic matches featuring New South Wales and Tasmania was forced to be shifted from the SCG after the ground was reportedly found damaged. There are also concerns among the cricketers that the ground might be forced to use drop-in wickets.

Also Read | Bangladesh Faces Fitness Worries For Pacers Ahead Of India Tour

The damage at SCG has been blamed on the training session of Sydney Rooster (a National Rugby League club) earlier this month. However, given that SCG is also set to host the NRL grand final on October 4, there are concerns that the ground will suffer further wear-and-tear before the T20 World cup opener between Australia and Pakistan on October 24, 2020. SCG, alongside the Melbourne cricket ground (MCG), is scheduled to host seven matches for the T20 world cup.

Also Read | T20 World Cup: MS Dhoni-led India, Beat Pakistan On This Day In 2007

With just around two weeks between both the events, T20 organisers are worried that the grounds may not be ready to host the World Cup. However, the SCG Trust has claimed that there are no reasons for concerns, and the grounds will be in the best playing conditions. Speaking to one of the sports networks, local organising committee chief Nick Hockley said, "The T20 World Cup 2020 local organising committee has received assurances from the SCG Trust that the grounds will be in top condition after to host the first match of the World Cup between Australia and Pakistan on October 24, 2020. They have assured that hosting the NRL Grand Final will in no way impact the T20 matches to be held at the grounds."

Also Read | Dream11: Ireland Vs Hong Kong Qualifier Match Predictions & Team News

Drop-in pitches

In the early part of 2019, SCG Trust flirted with the idea of drop-in pitches for the ground. However, it was met with vehement opposition by Cricket Australia. CA Chief Executive Kevin Roberts went on record, stating that the SCG ground has a unique pitch, which has nurtured some of the best spinners for Australia.

Earlier this year, the Trust formed a committee to look into the option of drop-in pitches for the SCG, a move that has been ardently opposed by Cricket NSW and Cricket Australia. "Cricket Australia unconditionally supports Cricket NSW in its opposition to drop-in wickets at the SCG," the CA chief executive Kevin Roberts said in July. He stated that changing the wicket square and its Bulli soil was not in the interest of Australian Cricket and its fans.

Also Read | Indian Cricket: ICC Plans India Vs Pakistan Warm-up Match At T20 WC?