Premadasa Stadium worries Atkinson

ICC’s pitch consultant Andy Atkinson has expressed concerns over the readiness of Sri Lanka’s R Premadasa Stadium for the 2011 World Cup.

While most things in Sri Lankan cricket are going right at the moment, there are a few pitfalls which they have to hop over before they become proud hosts of the World Cup. One such grey area is the historic R Premadasa Stadium, a World Cup venue which has invited criticism from the ICC’s pitch consultant Andy Atkinson.

The stadium is one of the glorious cricketing destinations of Sri Lanka, but all is not well with this stage. A report filed by the ICC’s pitch consultant Andy Atkinson raises a few concerns that need to be addressed before the venue hosts next year’s World Cup.

The issues that need to be addressed include - the inconsistent outfield which needs correction especially around the pitch block, a big section of the outfield is thin and patchy and requires a lot of work to achieve full grass cover.

The report suggests that there is a possibility of the new practice area might not be ready in time. But the worst of all is that there are apprehensions about pitch not getting ready until late October.

Despite Atkinson’s adverse comments Sri lankan cricket board is confident of pulling it off before the deadline.

Ironically, the other two hosting venues, Pallekele and a newly built stadium is Hambantota, have managed satisfactory grading from Atkinson. Both venues are well on their way to completion before the due date.

_espnstar