Klaasen Criticizes USA Cricket Pitch: A Hurdle for T20 Growth

Heinrich Klaasen voiced his concerns over the Nassau County Cricket Ground's pitch in New York, criticizing its dual-paced nature and uneven bounce. He suggested that such conditions are not ideal for marketing T20 cricket in the USA. However, he noted that tighter competition could be a silver lining for cricket fans.

South Africa's flamboyant batter Heinrich Klaasen has voiced his criticism regarding the pitch and outfield conditions at Nassau County Cricket Ground, New York, suggesting they are far from 'a great selling product' for marketing T20 cricket in the USA. The uneven bounce and dual-paced nature of the drop-in pitch have made batting exceptionally challenging, with India and South Africa defending low scores of 119 and 113 on consecutive days.

At a post-match press conference, Klaasen underscored the nerve-wracking nature of the competitions held at the ground. 'It's good entertaining cricket,' he commented, although he also noted that all premier batters are eager to leave New York, while bowlers welcome the conditions. The ICC has conceded that the pitch has not demonstrated the consistency expected.

Klaasen, reflecting on his experiences in other U.S. locations such as Dallas and North Carolina, argued that better wicket conditions in these places make cricket an easier sell. He acknowledged the effort put into the Nassau venue but reiterated that a more mature wicket is crucial for higher-scoring and more entertaining games.

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