COLOMBO: Former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has strongly criticised the International Cricket Council (ICC) after seeing an unusually grass-covered pitch in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Saqlain Mushtaq said that he had never seen so much grass left on a pitch in Sri Lanka before. The former Test cricketer expressed surprise over the playing surface and questioned the decision to prepare such a wicket.
Saqlain used strong language to declare that the ICC now operates as the “Indian Cricket Council.” He said Pakistan had recently won a series due to strong performances by its spinners, and for this reason, turning tracks would no longer be offered to Pakistan.
Saqlain claimed that major planning activities which include World Cup preparations are being conducted to prepare against Pakistan.
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha expressed surprise after he examined the pitch before the first match. He said it was the first time he had seen so much grass on a pitch in Sri Lanka at the toss. The team chose to field three fast bowlers because of the existing playing conditions.
India defeat USA by 29 runs in T20 World Cup match
Moreover, India defeated the United States by 29 runs in a Group A match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on Saturday.
Chasing a target of 162 runs, the USA team could only score 132 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their allotted 20 overs.
Earlier, India batted first after the USA won the toss and elected to bowl. India scored 161 runs for nine wickets in 20 overs, despite early setbacks. The Indian batting lineup struggled against disciplined bowling from the USA, losing four wickets inside the powerplay.
Ishan Kishan scored 20 runs, while Abhishek Sharma and Shivam Dube were dismissed for ducks. Tilak Varma made 25 runs, but India were reduced to six wickets down for 77 runs after Rinku Singh and Hardik Pandya were also dismissed cheaply.
India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav played a crucial innings, remaining unbeaten on 84 runs off 49 balls, helping his team post a competitive total. For the USA, Shadley Van Schalkwyk took four wickets.
In reply, the USA failed to build momentum against the Indian bowlers. Sanjay Krishnamurthi and Shubham Ranjane were the top scorers for the USA, each scoring 37 runs.
Mohammed Siraj led India’s bowling attack with three wickets, while Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel claimed two wickets each.
