ICC likely to sanction Viv Richards Ground

The ICC has begun the process to decide whether to sanction Sir Vivian Richards Ground, the venue of the farcical second Test between England and West Indies, after the match was abandoned because of a dangerous outfield.

The International Cricket Council has begun the process to decide whether to sanction Sir Vivian Richards Ground, the venue of the farcical second Test between England and West Indies, after the match was abandoned because of a dangerous outfield.

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Only ten balls were bowled at the stadium before match officials halted play due to the atrocious state of the bowlers' run-ups.

A new Test match begins tomorrow at Antigua Recreation Ground here.

A decision on sanction will be taken by the ICC after review by its chief match referee Ranjan Madugalle and general manager David Richardson at the end of pitch and outfield monitoring process, which was introduced three years ago to ensure international cricket is played on suitable conditions.

ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat has not ruled out the maximum penalty of removing Test status from the venue though the penalty could also be just a warning or a fine.

"It's clearly West Indies Cricket Board's responsibility. They have to ensure the ground meets the minimum standards for Test cricket. This is embarrassing," Lorgat said.

"They (Madugalle and Richardson) will sit down and determine what sanction will have to be meted out. The ultimate, of course, is that we can take away the status as a Test match venue. We will do what we have to do in terms of the sanction for this venue," he added.