The ICC leapt to the defence of its Cricket World Cup planning after Sri Lanka’s team manager complained that other countries have been treated more favourably.
Ashantha de Mel criticised the condition of the wickets on which they have played so far as well as the accommodation standards afforded to them at the tournament in England.
De Mel told a Sri Lankan newspaper this week that the “green” wickets at Cardiff and Bristol have been different to elsewhere, and he bemoaned the lack of a swimming pool in Bristol for his bowlers to “relax their muscles”.
In response, the International Cricket Council said: “We employ an independent pitch adviser to work with the host curators at all ICC events and the World Cup is no different,” an ICC statement read.
“We are happy with the wickets that have been produced across the event so far in English conditions.
“As part of the four-year planning process to deliver this event, we have liaised with all teams to ensure they are happy with their setup and are available to work with them should any issues arise that have not been previously anticipated.