T20 World Cup 2024: Ex-Pakistan cricketer alleges match-fixing in T20 WC, expresses concern over drop-in pitches

The New York pitch for the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 has been garnering attention for all the reasons. The venue has hosted two games in the tournament so far and both the games were low-scoring affairs.

In both the games, the team batting first failed to touch the 100-run mark as bowlers thoroughly dominated the contest. In the first game, South Africa bowled out Sri Lanka for just 77 runs. South Africa's chase was not smooth either as they crossed the finishing line in the 17th over by losing four wickets.

In the second game, Ireland were bowled out for just 96 runs in 16 overs against India. At one stage, Ireland were reeling at 50 for 8 but managed to get close to the 100-run mark. India chased down the total in 13 overs and lost two wickets. However, the likes of Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant copped blows on the pitch that is being deemed dangerous by many. In fact, Rohit had to retire hurt after being hit on the shoulder.

"When you play the game you need a really good surface or as good as surfaces you can get and unfortunately what we’ve seen over the last couple games just doesn’t necessarily live up to that," Ireland head coach Heinrich Malan had said after the game.

"So hopefully, over the next day or so it can hopefully flatten out a little bit and we can see some good cricket come Friday," he added.

Tanveer Ahmed comes up with match-fixing allegations:

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— Tanveer Says (@ImTanveerA) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->5<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->4

With the pitch in New York garnering attention for all the wrong reasons, former Pakistan cricketer Tanveer Ahmed has alleged the possibility of match-fixing. The former cricketer stated that it is very much possible to alter the drop-in pitches according to one's strength.

"I've been watching matches on drop-in pitches for a few days now, and the ball is going all over the place; I just can't understand it. It came to my mind that something is being made outside the ground, so anyone can make it. They can make it of any kind, in any way. These pitches take a few days to make," said Tanveer Ahmed before adding that match-fixing is a possibility on drop-in pitches.

For those who don't know, a drop-in pitch is shipped to a particular venue after being prepared elsewhere. The pitch that is being used in New York for the ongoing T20 World Cup was prepared in Adelaide.