ICC shuts down Jon Lewis after his accusations of India gaining unfair advantage in Women's T20 WC

[Crystal]

England coach Jon Lewis voiced his frustration about the disparity in training facilities after his team's early exit from the Women's T20 World Cup 2024. Jon Lewis also criticized the ICC for allowing India to practice on the main pitch in Sharjah while the other teams were restricted to the ICC Academy.

England suffered a loss to the West Indies in their last group-stage match, which led to their elimination from the T20 World Cup. Notably, it was the first time the inaugural champions did not qualify for the semi-finals since the 2010 tournament, breaking a streak of seven consecutive knockout stages.

The Heather Knight-led side came to the tournament as one of the title contenders. They lived up to expectations by winning three consecutive matches in the event. However, they lost to the West Indies by six wickets in their last league. The Windies and South Africa have superior NRR than England.

No One's Had An Opportunity To Train - Jon Lewis​

Jon Lewis accused India got an unfair advantage in training facilities for the World Cup 2024. Lewis said that none of the teams had the chance to train at the Dubai International Stadium. He added that England had to practice nearby at the academy.

"No one's had an opportunity to train here (Dubai International Stadium). We've been training in the ICC Academy down the road," Jon Lewis told after England's elimination via Wisden.

I Didn't Know They Did That - Jon Lewis​

All ten teams prepared for the event at the ICC Academy, but India and Scotland were given the chance to train on the main wicket at Sharjah Cricket Ground. India practiced there after playing their first three games at other venues. Lewis expressed his surprise and questioned the fairness of the situation.

"I didn't know they did that. I didn't know. India can pretty much do what they like, can't they? Is that how it works?" Lewis retorted.

India lost to Australia by nine runs in their last league-stage match. They couldn't qualify for the semi-finals after winning just two matches. They finished third in their group with only four points.

India also didn't practice sessions at the Dubai International Stadium. New Zealand and the West Indies are scheduled for a training session on October 17, in preparation for their semi-final on October 18. Meanwhile, Australia and South Africa will compete in the first semi-final in Dubai on Thursday.

All Other Teams Had The Opportunity - ICC Spokesperson​

The ICC stated that only India asked for permission to train in Sharjah, which was available to all teams. An ICC spokesperson confirmed that every team had the chance to train there.

"All other teams had the opportunity of training in Sharjah," an ICC spokesperson told ESPN Cricinfo.

There are three matches, including the two semi-finals and the final in the tournament. Sharjah will host the second semi-final, while Dubai will hold the other matches in the marquee event.

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