T20 World Cup 2024: Team India unhappy with subpar practice facilities in New York

India's T20 World Cup 2024 preparations hit a snag as coach Rahul Dravid reportedly expressed concerns about the ‘average’ facilities at Cantiague Park in New York. Captain Rohit Sharma and the team held their first net session there on Wednesday, utilising only three of the six available pitches. The T20 World Cup matches will be played at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. However, this temporary stadium lacks dedicated practice facilities for the teams. To address this, the ICC has designated Cantiague Park as the official training ground for teams playing matches in New York. Despite having six available drop-in pitches, limitations were evident during India's training session on Wednesday, May 29. The team was only able to utilize three of them, highlighting potential constraints for other teams as well.

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“Everything is makeshift – from pitches to other facilities. Safe to say everything is very average in nature. The team has raised their concerns,” a source privy to the development told told CricketNext News18.

The USA is stepping onto the big stage for the first time as a host nation for an ICC event.  This is a significant moment for cricket in the country, and 16 matches will be spread across three venues within the US borders. However, cricket is still a developing sport in the United States. The infrastructure dedicated to the sport currently falls short when compared to established cricket nations like India or Australia.

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This lack of established infrastructure presents a challenge for the US as they prepare to host the World Cup.  Just this week, severe weather proved disruptive. Thunderstorms ripped through Texas on Tuesday, causing damage to the Grand Prairie Stadium and forcing the cancellation of a crucial warm-up match between the USA and Bangladesh. A giant temporary LED screen was damaged by the high winds.

Despite these initial hurdles, the USA is pushing forward with their hosting duties.  Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium in Lauderhill, Florida, is the third venue that will be welcoming World Cup matches alongside the Grand Prairie Stadium and the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.

India's T20 World Cup schedule

June 1: Vs Bangladesh, New York, 8 PM IST (Warm-up)
June 5: Vs Ireland, New York, 8 PM IST (Group stage)
June 9: Vs Pakistan, New York, 8 PM IST (Group stage)
June 12: Vs USA, New York, 8 PM IST (Group stage)
June 15: Vs Canada, Florida, 8 PM IST (Group stage)

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