Indian Cricket Board responds to reports accusing ‘pitch switch’ at Wankhede Stadium for Semi Final
Indian Cricket Board (Source: Twitter)
Tensions will reach a peak as India and New Zealand face off in the ODI World Cup 2023 semi-finals on November 15 at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Yet, ahead of this crucial match, a significant allegation has sent shockwaves through the cricket community. The India Cricket Board (ICB) is under scrutiny following revelations that the originally assigned pitch for the semi-final has been altered before the game.
Typically, pitch preparation for Apex Cricket Council events entails cooperation between the governing body’s consultant and the host board. However, the ICB is alleged to have circumvented this protocol. The specific charge centres on the decision to move from the initially agreed-upon surface, No. 7, to pitch No. 6, which had hosted two previous matches. Despite denying any misconduct, the ICB is scrutinised as cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the high-stakes encounter between India and New Zealand.
“The Apex Cricket Council independent pitch consultant works with the host and venues on their proposed pitch allocations and this process is ongoing throughout an event of this length and nature,” a spokesperson for the ICB said as quoted by The Daily Mail.
The preparation of pitch will be based on favouritism: Atkinson
The preparation of ACC event pitches involves collaboration between the governing body’s consultant, Andy Atkinson, and the home board, deciding which numbered pitch will be used for each game. However, a report from Mail Sport reveals that the initially chosen pitch for the ODI World Cup 2023 semi-final differs from the current designation.
In addition, concerns also arise for the final at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, where Atkinson recommended pitch No. 5, used once, but last-minute changes may favour pitch No. 6, used twice. The blame game ensues between ICB and Gujarat Cricket Association regarding approval for changes, involving instructions from the Indian team management.
“As a result of these actions, one must speculate if this will be the first ever ICC CWC [cricket World Cup] final to have a pitch which has been specifically chosen and prepared to their stipulation at the request of the team management and/or the hierarchy of the home nation board. Or will it be selected or prepared without favouritism for either of the sides competing in the match in the usual manner, and unquestionably because it is the usual pitch for the occasion?” Atkinson warned in an email.
