T20 World Cup 2024: A ground staff member was seen washing his hands near the pitch during a match between the USA and Ireland in Florida. The match had already been delayed due to a wet outfield, raising concerns about the playing conditions.
Groundstaff washes hands on the field in already wet Florida stadium (Screengrab)
New Delhi,UPDATED: Jun 14, 2024 22:01 IST
A member of the groundstaff was spotted washing his hands near the pitch during the United States vs Ireland T20 World Cup match in Florida on Friday. This incident added to the unusual circumstances of the game, which had already been significantly delayed due to a wet outfield. The crucial Group A match between the co-hosts, the United States, and Ireland was initially delayed as the groundstaff struggled to remove standing water from the outfield. The toss, originally scheduled for 7:30 pm IST, was postponed by 30 minutes. However, after an inspection at 8:00 pm IST, the umpires and match officials found the conditions unsatisfactory and decided to delay the game by another hour.
The ground staff continued their efforts to make the field playable when a peculiar scene unfolded. A ground staff member was seen washing his hands near the pitch, just behind the umpires. This unusual behavior caught the attention of players, officials, and the few spectators present, adding a surreal twist to an already challenging situation. The wet conditions had been a significant concern, with the groundstaff employing various methods to expedite the drying process. In a rare move, a special machine was brought in to help dry the outfield more quickly. Despite these efforts, the outfield remained unsuitable for play during the subsequent inspection at 9:00 pm IST. The umpires decided to wait for another hour, hoping for better conditions.
The stakes were high for this Group A match. If the game were to be abandoned due to the weather, the USA would automatically qualify for the Super Eights stage, joining group leader India. This outcome would result in the elimination of both Pakistan and Ireland, along with Canada. As the groundstaff continued their tireless work, the bizarre hand-washing incident became a talking point. It highlighted the often-overlooked challenges and peculiarities of maintaining a cricket field, especially under adverse weather conditions. The dedication of the groundstaff in trying to ensure the game could proceed was evident, even if some of their actions seemed unusual.
Published By:
Saurabh Kumar
Published On:
Jun 14, 2024
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