ODI World Cup 2023: Dharamsala Outfield Rated 'Average' By ICC, Jonathan Trott Warns England Team Ahead Of Bangladesh Clash
Their fielders will have a difficult day in Dharamsala on Tuesday because the reigning champions England are set to play their next game there.
At the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on Saturday, Afghanistan's star spinner Mujeeb ur Rahman nearly suffered a major injury when his left knee caught in the sandy outfield while he was trying to defend a boundary in their opening match of the ODI World Cup 2023 against Bangladesh.
The match referee, Javagal Srinath, rated the ground as "Average," meaning that the stadium will not be subject to any penalties. This information has been sent to the International Cricket Council (ICC).
"The ICC independent pitch consultant has examined the outfield today and is satisfied with the conditions, as is Javagal Srinath, the match referee for the upcoming game," a representative stated.
The six categories for which the match referee can make a decision under the ICC's pitch and outfield rating system are "Very Good," "Good," "Average," "Below Average," "Poor," and "Unfit." The stadium receives no demerit points for a pitch that receives an average rating or higher. Demerit points are only awarded to a venue if it has a "Below Average," "Poor," or "Unfit" grade.
Their fielders will have a difficult day in Dharamsala on Tuesday because the reigning champions England are set to play their next game there.
Former batsman and Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott has issued a caution regarding the state of the outfield at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium.
The outfield of the stadium has long been a source of worry, which led to the last-minute decision to transfer this year's India-Australia Test to Indore.
If things worsen on the pitch, the umpires have the authority to declare the conditions of the ground "dangerous or unreasonable" after conferring with the match referee.
Both teams might share a point if the game is further paused and finally abandoned.
Bangladesh will face off against England. On Tuesday, Srinath will serve as the match referee and Ahsan Raza and Paul Wilson as the standing umpires.