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New York’s stadium not yet ready as WC nears


Published : 25 Apr 2024 09:03 PM

The ICC T20I World cup is on the horizon. However, the International Cricket Stadium in Nassau County, New York, is still under construction and not yet ready, with only 38 days left until the T20 World Cup kicks off. This venue is being built in anticipation of the tournament.

The United States and West Indies are set to co-host the T20 World Cup starting on June 2. A total of 9 venues will be used for the event, with the stadium in Nassau County expected to host 8 matches, the most of any venue.

Recent photographs have shown ongoing construction in the stadium's spectator stands, which are anticipated to hold 34,000 people. Currently, the pitch lacks grass. The ground's inaugural match, featuring Sri Lanka against South Africa, is scheduled for June 3. On June 10, Bangladesh will compete against South Africa at the same venue. Additionally, a high-profile match between India and Pakistan is planned to take place there the previous day.

The stadium is being promoted as the first 'modular' cricket stadium. Generally, modular structures made from steel and aluminum can be relocated if necessary, indicating that they are not completely permanent. This also means they can be constructed in a relatively shorter period.

The stadium's construction commenced at the beginning of February in preparation for the World Cup. The temporary grandstand from last year's Formula One event in Las Vegas will be repurposed for this stadium. The architectural firm Populous, known for designing the Yankee Stadium in New York, Narendra Modi Stadium in India, and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, is responsible for the design of the Nassau County Stadium.

A report released by the ICC in March celebrated the completion of one month of the stadium's construction. The report detailed that the grass installation is due to start on April 29, with the construction expected to wrap up by May 6. However, a 'test event' is planned for May 27, just a week before the first official match.

ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice has expressed excitement about the unveiling of the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024.