Bizarre moment as ground-staff member washes hands near pitch while wet outfield delays start of USA vs Ireland game

The start of the game between USA and Ireland in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024 has been delayed due to a wet outfield at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground, Lauderhill, Florida.

The region received heavy rainfall this week and several areas were flooded as well. Fortunately, the rain gods showed mercy on Friday (June 14) but the wet outfield has kept any action at bay. The game between the USA and Ireland was scheduled to begin at 08:00 PM (IST) but could not start even by 10:00 PM due to the wet outfield.

The groundstaff members have been working hard to make the surfaces fit for the game but things are not looking very promising so far. Amidst all these, a photo of a ground-staff member washing his hands just near the pitch has gone viral on social media. The incident took place when both the umpires were on the field although the ground-staff member was standing behind them.

 

The five-over game can start at 2:19 pm local time.
#USAvsIRE #T20WorldCup #USAvIRE pic.twitter.com/jUkdMULjsf

— Shobhit kumar (@Shobhit110198) June 14, 2024

USA on the verge of qualifying for Super 8s:

If the game between the USA and Ireland is washed out, the former will join Team India in the Super 8s from Group A. It will also bring an end to Pakistan's campaign in the T20 World Cup so far. 

India have already booked their place in the Super 8s by winning their first three games against Ireland, Pakistan, and USA. On the other hand, the USA are in the second spot with two wins from three games. They defeated Canada and Pakistan before losing to India.

Pakistan and Canada have one win each from three games while Ireland are yet to open their account. A washed-out game will mean the USA will reach five points and will advance to the next round. Pakistan can finish with a maximum of four points even if they win their group game.

The other teams to book their place in the Super 8s are Australia, Afghanistan, West Indies and South Africa.