ILT20 Pitches: Ranking UAE’s Grounds for Batters and Bowlers

The International League T20 (ILT20) in the UAE is one of the most exciting cricket leagues in the world. It brings together top players, thrilling matches, and enthusiastic fans. But behind the scenes, much hard work goes into making the tournament a success. One man playing a big role in this is Matt Sandery, the head curator in charge of preparing the pitches.

ILT20 UAE Overview:

Team	Profile	Squad	Schedule	Coaching Staff	Captain
Dubai Capitals	Profile	Squad	Schedule	Coaching Staff	Captain
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders	Profile	Squad	Schedule	Coaching Staff	Captain
Gulf Giants	Profile	Squad	Schedule	Coaching Staff	Captain
Sharjah Warriors	Profile	Squad	Schedule	Coaching Staff	Captain
MI Emirates	Profile	Squad	Schedule	Coaching Staff	Captain
Desert Vipers	Profile	Squad	Schedule	Coaching Staff	Captain

ILT20 Pitches: The Role of Pitches in Cricket

Pitches are at the heart of cricket. A well-prepared pitch ensures fair play and makes matches more exciting. Sandery knows this better than anyone. He works hard to create pitches that give both batters and bowlers an equal chance to shine.

Sandery believes that consistency is key. Each pitch must behave the same throughout the game. This is not easy, especially in the UAE, where the weather and soil can be unpredictable. But Sandery and his team take the challenge head-on.

“We aim for pitches that are true and balanced,” he says. This means batters should trust the bounce and bowlers should feel they have opportunities to take wickets.

The Impact of Weather

Weather plays a big role in cricket. In the UAE, the biggest challenge is the dew. Dew makes the ball slippery and difficult to control. It also makes the pitch wet, which can favor batters. Sandery and his team work to reduce the impact of dew.

One method they use is covering the ground in the evening to stop dew from settling. They also use chemicals to reduce the dew’s effect on the pitch. Timing of matches is adjusted to minimize the impact as well.

Another weather issue is the heat. The UAE is very hot, and the pitches can dry out quickly. Sandery ensures that the pitches are watered regularly but not too much. This balance helps keep the pitch in good condition.

The Art of Preparing Pitches

Preparing a cricket pitch is an art and a science. Sandery uses his knowledge of the soil and weather to decide how to prepare each pitch.

The first step is rolling the pitch. Rolling helps make the surface hard and flat. The second step is watering the pitch. Too much water can make it slow, while too little can make it break apart. Sandery uses just the right amount.

Next, he cuts the grass on the pitch. The amount of grass left on the surface can change how the ball behaves. More grass gives bowlers extra movement, while less grass helps batters. Sandery adjusts the grass based on the match’s needs.

Adapting to Different Venues

The ILT20 takes place in several stadiums across the UAE, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. Each venue has its own challenges.

• Dubai: The pitches in Dubai are usually batting-friendly. Sandery ensures there is enough bounce to make the games exciting.
• Abu Dhabi: The conditions here often help bowlers. Sandery works to balance the pitch so batters also have a chance.
• Sharjah: This is a smaller ground, so big scores are common. Sandery ensures the pitch does not favor one team too much.

“It’s about understanding the needs of each venue,” he explains.

Dealing with Players’ Expectations

Players from around the world participate in the ILT20. They come with different expectations about the pitches. Some players prefer fast pitches, while others like slow ones. Sandery tries to meet everyone’s expectations.

“It’s not easy,” he admits. “But we try to prepare pitches that suit all types of players. That way, the matches are fair and competitive.”

Working Around the Clock

Preparing pitches is not a 9-to-5 job. Sandery and his team work long hours. They check the pitch early in the morning and late at night. During matches, they are always on standby in case the pitch needs attention.

“It’s a lot of hard work,” says Sandery. “But it’s worth it when you see a great match.”

Technology and Innovation

Sandery also uses technology to improve pitch preparation. Special machines measure the hardness and moisture of the pitch. This data helps Sandery make better decisions.

He is also exploring new methods to combat dew and heat. “Technology is a big part of modern cricket,” he says. “It helps us stay ahead.”

Dedication to the Game

For Sandery, cricket is more than a job. It is a passion. He loves being part of a tournament as big as the ILT20.

“I feel proud when players say they enjoyed the pitch,” he says. “It means we did our job well.”

Conclusion

Matt Sandery’s work may go unnoticed by fans, but it is crucial to the success of the ILT20. His expertise, dedication, and hard work ensure that players have the best conditions to perform.

From managing dew to balancing pitches, Sandery’s efforts make every match enjoyable and competitive. As the ILT20 grows, his role will remain vital in ensuring the tournament’s continued success.

So, the next time you watch an ILT20 match, spare a thought for Matt Sandery and his team. They are the unsung heroes making it all possible.