The fourth ANZ One Day International between the Blackcaps and South Africa, scheduled to be played at Napier's McLean Park on March 1, has been transferred to Hamilton.
Napier mayor Bill Dalton said an assessors report found that the turf at the park was no longer fit for purpose.
"The investigation has uncovered some problems with the ground - problems that are not able to be resolved in time for 1 March."
"We have a fantastic ground in a superb location, but the turf is old and it has deteriorated dramatically in the face of the recent drought conditions Hawke's Bay has experienced."
Mr Dalton said there were issues with the organic matter beneath the surface of the ground - issues council didn't know about and are now urgently dealing with.