IND vs PAK: 'Can't play India vs Pakistan on New York pitch' - Dinesh Karthik, Harsha Bhogle issue 'dangerous' warning ahead of blockbuster clash

Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik expressed concerns about the pitches at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. Dinesh Karthik stated that the drop-in pitches have not settled down really well in New York for the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 due to the weather conditions.

The Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York has drawn attention for its variable bounce. The New York venue has faced criticism for its pitches following one-sided matches. Sri Lanka was bowled out for 77 on pitch no. 1, and South Africa took 16.2 overs to chase down a below-par total in the first match.

The Indian team bundled out Ireland for 96 on pitch 4 during the second match. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma was hit on his shoulder by Josh Little. Rohit retired hurt after scoring 52 runs off 37 balls with the help of four boundaries and three sixes. Rishabh Pant also suffered a body blow but continued his innings.

The New York stadium was constructed in just 103 days, with a seating capacity of 34,000. Olympic legend Usain Bolt inaugurated the venue on May 15. The venue, equipped with drop-in pitches imported from Australia, was chosen to host eight matches, including three featuring the India national cricket team.

Don't Think It Settled Down Really Well In New York - Dinesh Karthik

Speaking to Cricbuzz, Dinesh Karthik expressed his thoughts on drop-in pitches. Karthik acknowledged their success in places like Australia and New Zealand. The cricketer-turned-commentator stated that drop-in pitches haven't settled well in New York's weather conditions.

"Drop-in pitches are a new concept that has obviously done well in certain parts of the world, especially in Australia and New Zealand to a large extent. But I don't think it settled down really well in New York. I have to say Prairie Garden in Dallas, which is a really nice pitch, is good to bat on," Karthik said.

"The weather conditions in New York haven't probably allowed it to settle down as well as it should have. The individual characteristic as a pitch is very, very good, but I don't think it settled well in New York. It will be a point that people will be speaking about before the big game that's going to happen in a few days," Karthik added.

"You can't play India vs Pakistan on this pitch because it could get dangerous," said Harsha Bhogle during the same discussion before highlighting how the batters were facing difficulty on the surface.

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The Rohit Sharma-led team will play two more matches at this venue in the ICC tournament. The Men in Blue will face archrivals Pakistan, led by Babar Azam, in a high-voltage clash in New York on Sunday. The venue will host two matches for South Africa, led by Aiden Markram, in the prestigious T20 tournament.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) acknowledged concerns about the pitch quality at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Thursday. The ICC mentioned that the group staff has been working to improve the pitch conditions following complaints from players, experts, and fans.

Also read: IND vs PAK: "Looked clueless..." - Misbah-ul-Haq slams Babar Azam following a humiliating loss to USA