Rohit Sharma's bruised bicep is expected to heal before the IND vs PAK game on Sunday, but concerns are growing over the Nassau County ground's pitch, which is "bordering on dangerous with huge open cracks." This issue is troubling stakeholders aiming to promote cricket in America through the ongoing T20 World Cup.

Also Read | T20 WC: David Warner gets anti-warm send-off; Perplexed Aussie loses way

Update on Rohit Sharma: Will he play the India vs Pakistan match?

India began their campaign with an eight-wicket win in a low-scoring match against Ireland, who were bowled out for 96 in just 16 overs. Rohit, who scored a half-century in the successful chase, was struck on his right bicep by pacer Josh Little and had to retire hurt. The ball that hit him reared up unexpectedly from a length on a pitch with a significant uneven bounce.

Rishabh Pant was also hit on his left elbow during his unbeaten 36.

"Rohit's injury isn't serious. He said it's a bit sore, but he should be okay for the Pakistan game on Sunday. There are two practice sessions before that," a senior BCCI source told PTI on condition of anonymity.

Also Read | India will continue with Kohli-Rohit opening pair, Pant at No.3 - Coach

Former Cricketers criticise pitches presented at the World Cup so far

Beyond the injury scare, the pitch's condition—a drop-in surface brought from Adelaide specifically for the World Cup—has raised concerns. India are scheduled to play two more games at this stadium. Irfan Pathan, Player of the Final from India's 2007 T20 World Cup triumph, didn't hold back, criticizing the pitch as unsafe.

"Look, we definitely want to promote cricket in America, but this pitch is not safe for players. If we had a pitch like this in India, a match would never be played there again for a very long time," he said on Star Sports. "This pitch is definitely not good. I mean, we are talking about the World Cup here, not even a bilateral series," he asserted.

Also unimpressed was former England captain Michael Vaughan.

"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," he wrote on his X handle.

Rohit was bewildered by the track's behaviour and conceded that he didn't know what to expect from it against Pakistan. The team's batting coach Vikram Rathour was a shade more reticent in his analysis.

(With inputs from PTI)