South Africa introduces drop-in pitches for 2027 World Cup preparations
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 23, 2026, 1:13 PM
Last updated Sep 23, 2026
Cricket South Africa is implementing drop-in pitches at major venues in advance of the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, co-hosted with Zimbabwe and Namibia. This change addresses the degradation of traditional pitches, which have become slower and more spin-friendly. Key players, including coach Shukri Conrad and spinner Tabraiz Shamsi, have expressed concerns that this technology could diminish home advantages. Groundsman Rupert Bailey highlighted that the shift aims to protect overworked squares while preparing for the tournament. A domestic One-Day Cup match has already tested a drop-in strip, which received positive feedback despite some pitch irregularities.
- •Drop-in pitches are being introduced for major cricket venues in South Africa.
- •The move addresses issues with traditional pitch degradation.
- •Key players are concerned about losing home advantage.
- •A domestic match has tested a drop-in pitch with positive reports.
- •The 2027 World Cup will be co-hosted with Zimbabwe and Namibia.
- 1:13 PMYahoo Sports — South African cricket adopt revolutionary ground measures: Drop-in pitches set to reshape SA venues before 2027 ODI World Cup - Report
"With the 2027 World Cup less than a year away, South Africa has adopted some revolutionary ground measures ahead of the tournament, and here's everything you would need to know about it.
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