Australia’s ice hockey federation has pulled out of hosting a lower-tier men's world championship event featuring Israel's national team, citing security concerns. The decision came after a recent rise in antisemitic attacks in Australia and created backlash from Jewish groups and a debate about whether the country was capable of hosting events that could spark protests.

Australia's ice hockey federation said on Tuesday it had cancelled a planned international qualifying tournament due to safety concerns, with local media reporting the decision was linked to the participation of the Israeli national team.

Executive Council of Australian Jewry Co-Chief Executive Alex Ryvchin discusses the government’s decision to cancel a major ice hockey tournament in Melbourne.

Roach pointed out that the SCG pitch aimed to showcase early pace and bounce, which would naturally wear and spin as the game progressed

However, former Australia captain Michael Clarke was highly critical of the surface. "The SCG is my favourite ground in the world, it is my home ground, and I hate saying this out

The International Cricket Council (ICC) released the ratings of the five pitches for the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Perth, Adelaide Oval, Melbourne Cricket Ground and Brisbane's The Gabba were awarded 'very good' ratings,