[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]Before the highly anticipated World Cup semi-final clash today between India and New Zealand, reports have emerged suggesting that the hosts altered the pitch at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, where the match is scheduled to take place, without obtaining permission from the International Cricket Council (ICC).
India has maintained an undefeated record in the tournament, which began on October 5. Over nine league matches, the team showcased dominance, achieving decisive victories, especially against Sri Lanka, England, and Australia.
As per a Tuesday report from the Daily Mail, the initially assigned pitch for the tournament’s first semi-final at Wankhede Stadium was supposed to be the unused pitch seven. However, it is now claimed that the pitch has been switched to pitch six, which has already hosted two matches (England vs South Africa and India vs Sri Lanka).
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The report mentioned that Andy Atkinson, the ICC’s pitch consultant overseeing preparations for global tournaments to ensure fair playing surfaces, was informed of an unspecified issue with pitch seven.
Referring to a circulated WhatsApp message on Tuesday, the report alleged that more than 50 BCCI and ICC officials were notified about the pitch switch.
Furthermore, the report raised concerns about the possibility of unilaterally altering the pitch for the final at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday (Nov 19), featuring India or New Zealand against the winner of the Australia or South Africa match in Kolkata on Thursday.
The report highlighted that the tournament’s opening game between England and New Zealand took place on the pre-agreed pitch number six, deviating from the schedule for the next three matches.
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Atkinson reportedly emailed his superiors, expressing that the pitch changes were made “without proper notice or forewarning” and casting doubts on the neutrality of the pitch for the final.
In an email published by the outlet, Atkinson wrote, “As a result of these actions, one must speculate if this will be the first-ever ICC CWC [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.”
He further questioned whether the pitch would be selected or prepared without favoritism for either of the competing sides, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the usual standards for such occasions.
It is worth mentioning that there were previous discussions about the potential for an “India-friendly” pitch during the T20 World Cup semi-final against West Indies at Wankhede Stadium in 2016. However, these concerns did not escalate significantly, especially following India’s loss in the match.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
