iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
The Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, the temporary venue that hosted the high profile India vs. Pakistan match in the T20 World Cup on June 9, will be dismantled within the next six weeks, according to reports.
This unique stadium, which saw eight T20 World Cup matches, including the historic first-ever clash between the US and India, will soon return to its original state as a public park with a grassy field.
The dismantling process began right after the final match was played at the venue. India took on the co-host USA on Wednesday, June 12, managing to win a closely fought contest.
This pop-up stadium was constructed remarkably fast, taking only 106 days to build. Interestingly, the drop-in pitches used were prepared in Florida after being shipped from Australia in December 2023. They were then transported to New York in April and installed in the main playing area and practice facilities in May.
The future of these drop-in pitches remains undecided. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly left the decision to Nassau County authorities. These pitches, with their variable bounce, were instrumental in creating low-scoring thrillers, and have been a major talking point in the tournament. Local authorities can choose to keep the pitches if they are willing to handle their maintenance. If not, the ICC will relocate them to another venue in need.
However, a proposal to host Major League Cricket (MLC) games at the Nassau County Stadium was not approved by the local franchise. New York is home to the MLC franchise MI New York, owned by Reliance Industries of Indian business tycoon Mukesh Ambani which also owns the IPL franchise Mumbai Indians (MI), MI Cape Town (SA20), MI Emirates (ILT20), and the Mumbai Indians Women team of India’s Women’s Premier League (WPL).
MI New York is reportedly considering building a permanent stadium elsewhere in the city in the near future.
