The International Cricket Council (ICC) has come down heavily on the Dharamsala stadium's outfield, terming it as 'average'. This criticism came to light in the aftermath of a ODI World Cup match between Bangladesh and Afghanistan.
In a move to inspect and assess the conditions firsthand, the ICC deployed an independent pitch consultant and match referee Javagal Srinath. The assessment was pivotal to ascertain the viability of the ground for upcoming fixtures. An ICC spokesperson clarified, “The ICC independent pitch consultant has taken a look at the outfield today and is comfortable with the conditions as is Javagal Srinath, the Match Referee for the next game.”
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The outfield's appearance had raised eyebrows even before the match started. The ground seemed to lack the lush green grass cover that is typically expected of international venues. This inadequate ground condition nearly gave Afghanistan a major injury scare during Saturday's game when Mujeeb-Ur-Rahman dived to field the ball. In doing so, he jammed his knee against the ground's hardened surface, leading to mud flying upon impact.
This incident isn't isolated when it comes to Dharamsala stadium's outfield conditions. Earlier in the year, concerns over the outfield's 'lack of grass density' led to a shift in venue for the third Test between India and Australia. Furthermore, reports in September suggested that the stadium's outfield was grappling with a fungal infestation, demanding immediate attention.
Highlight the issue Afghanistan's coach, Jonathan Trott, didn't hold back his concerns. After witnessing his team's loss to Bangladesh, he emphasised the potential risk that such a field posed to the players. Recounting the incidents in the post match press meet Trott said, "I just think if you’ve got players unsure of whether they can dive…when you’ve got players worried about getting injured, I mean, we’re lucky Mujeeb (Ur Rahman) hasn’t got a serious knee injury. “I think it was Devon Conway from New Zealand early on as well (slipping on the field.”
He further added, referencing the dive by New Zealand's Devon Conway, "So, something for them (officials) to look at. But I’m definitely not putting any blame on that (for the team’s defeat), but that’s something to keep an eye on for the future."
With the World Cup 2023 in full swing, the next scheduled match at the Dharamsala venue is between Bangladesh and England. Subsequently, India are set to clash with New Zealand on October 22. Given the voiced concerns and potential risks, all eyes are now on the ICC and the organisers. It remains uncertain if there will be a venue change or if further measures will be employed to enhance the ground conditions.
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