T20 World Cup 2024: Chief curator concedes fault within first semi-final pitch in Trinidad

Rashid Khan. (Photo Source: CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)

The T20 World Cup 2024 ended with the Indian team breaking its ICC curse and lifting the title for the first time since 2007. There were many moments from the competition that stood out, however, none of them were as special as the campaign of Rashid Khan-led Afghanistan.

The dark horses of the tournament, Afghanistan beat some of the biggest teams in world cricket and managed to reach the semi-final of the competition. Their journey ended in the knockout stages as they suffered a shocking loss to South Africa.

Bundled out for 56 runs, Afghanistan failed to defend the meagre total and called it quits in their hopes of winning the tournament. However, many fans have come forward to question the pitch that was in play in Trinidad for the first semi-final of the World Cup between Afghanistan and South Africa.

Also Read: ‘Want a fair contest between bat and ball’ – Tom Moody and Andy Flower assess ‘dangerous’ Tarouba pitch

Kent Crawfton, chief curator of the West Indies leg, recently came forward and conceded that there was a conscious effort by the curators to help both the batters and bowlers by making top quality pitches. However, he admitted that the pitch in Trinidad was not adequately prepared.

“The intention was to produce good cricket pitches, with something in there for bowlers to work with, the first semi-final pitch ended up being too one-sided. The preparation programme was not carried out as planned. Thus, it became a cracked surface causing too much variation in pace, bounce, and sideways movement,” Crawfton was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

Also Read: ‘That’s not the pitch that you want to have a match’ – Jonathan Trott criticizes Tarouba pitch after Afghanistan’s crushing semi-final defeat

It was ugly really: Stephen Finn

Furthermore, former England cricketer Stephen Finn came forward to give his take on the matter as well. He opined that the pitch would have been good for a Test match, however, it did not suit a T20 game.

“It was ugly really. The pitch just deteriorated and it led to not a great spectacle for a T20 game. It would have been fascinating on day five of a Test match but for a T20, it wasn’t up to scratch,” Finn said on BBC Test Match Special.

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