ICC warns Indian board over 'poor' pitch in Kanpur

The International Cricket Council (ICC) issued an official warning to the Indian board today over the sub-standard pitch used for last month's final test against South Africa in Kanpur.

The home team, trailing 1-0 ahead of that third test, clinched a series-levelling win in three days on a dusty Green Park pitch where the ball spun and jumped from the start. India romped to an eight-wicket win with 32 wickets tumbling. The ICC sought an explanation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after match referee Roshan Mahanama reported that the pitch was not up to test-match standards.

"We have come to a decision that the pitch prepared for the match should be rated as 'poor,'" ICC general manager cricket Dave Richardson said in an official statement. "We've taken into consideration the explanations offered by the BCCI as to the reasons for the dryness of the pitch and we have noted that there is no previous record of a sub-standard pitch being prepared in Kanpur."

The ICC has the power to impose a fine or even suspend the international status for the venue in case of repeated offences. The Indian board promised to improve the pitch. "I can assure everyone we will take all steps necessary to ensure this does not happen in the future," Indian board secretary Niranjan Shah said. - Reuters