The match played at the Feroz Kotla Stadium on December 27-2009 had to be abandoned due to the unfit condition of the pitch. The ball during play bounced alarmingly high before going head high to the wicket keeper. The bounce was extremely variable and ws dangerous for further play. Dilshan T and Sanath J were hit by balls that arose after pitching while some other deliveries kept surprisingly low. It was extremely difficult to predict what it would do.

After lengthy discussions and consultations with the umpires the match referee called the game off. Shifting to a secondary pitch and the secondary pitch was not adequately prepared.

The playing pitch was done in an amateurish hair transplant style with grass here and there which was coming out in patches when the ball came in contact or when players walked across the pitch. Furthermore when the balls came in contact with these broken patches the balls were rising and the batsmen had no clue other than to defend themselves.

To overcome such difficulties of bad pitches employment of well experienced pitch curators and and equally qualified experienced scientists may be the answer.

The score in the match was irrelevant due to the bad nature and condition of the pitch.
The Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA) and its officials regreted the incident,
and refunded more than 45,000 home fans and spectators. The officials were disbanded with immediate effect.
The uproar and disturbances that ensued after the abandonment from the disgruntled spectators was understandable but it was contained.

It was after all too little and too late by the authorities concerned and it was a big shock to world cricket enthusiasts that such a treacherous pitch was prepared in the Capital City of India.

The lesson to be learnt from this incident is: It’s a high wake-up call to all Asian countries participating in the forthcoming 2011 WC one day championship tournament, to have a great alertness and awareness of the responsibility and be suitably prepared to meet challenges as far as possible on a batsman friendly and bowler friendly pitch equally and to make the whole tournament a success and an enjoyable one, to all cricket lovers of the world.

Dr. C.K.T.Ratnam, 287C Hoe Street, London E179 BG.