The International Cricket Council (ICC) is paying close attention to the matches scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which is set to begin next week, reports say.
The ICC’s focus is particularly on the pitches at the R. Premadasa Stadium, the SSC Ground and the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, where several matches of the tournament are due to be played.
According to reports, the heightened attention follows information received by the ICC regarding undue pressure being exerted on pitch curators at these venues during domestic and international matches held in Sri Lanka. Such interference is said to place unnecessary pressure on the duties of neutral pitch curators.
It is further reported that a significant portion of this pressure has originated from coaching staff.
As a result, the ICC is maintaining special oversight of pitch preparation at Sri Lankan venues throughout the World Cup tournament. Typically, pitch preparation at ICC tournaments is conducted under the direct supervision of an ICC-appointed pitch expert.
