ORLANDO/FL – USA: The third round match of the USA Cricket Minor League clash between Florida Beamers and Orlando Galaxy at the Silver Stars ground in Orlando was called off because of a dangerous pitch by umpires.
After just nine balls the matting was uprooted leaving the umpires no choice but to call off the game as they deemed the conditions too dangerous for play. At the time, United States batsman Monank Patel was batting on two with the Beamers 2/2. Beamers had lost skipper Zishawn Qureshi for a first ball duck, as his foot got struck trying to hit a well-pitched up delivery through the off-side and edging to the wicketkeeper.
Also falling was fellow opener Akshar Patel who went via the leg-before route. Patel and Leslie Daniel were at the crease when the matting flew up and they came off. The umpires conferred with both captains and decided that the conditions were too dangerous for play and the match was called off.
The issue News925 understands was that the mat has been glued down only the night before and just before that in the evening, there was five inches of rainfall. This led to the mat becoming loose. The match referee on hand communicated with Minor League officials and they decided that further games on Sunday will be played at another venue in Orlando called Poinciana.
Indications from officials at the match on Saturday is that they will write to the Minor League but the point should go the way of the Beamers as Orlando was the home team on the day. Captain and owner of the Beamers Qureshi said he was not happy with the situation. “We are not happy with the situation, imagine investing close to $100,000 and getting these types of situation to work in.” He offered a solution: “Since Minor League is all about developing the sport in the country, the authorities should look to play matches on turf wickets as much as possible.”
