The anticipation is reaching a peak as India and New Zealand gear up for the ODI World Cup 2023 semi-finals on Wednesday, November 15, at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.
However, a significant controversy has emerged in the cricketing world ahead of this crucial clash. The spotlight is on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as allegations surfaced regarding a last-minute change to the initially designated pitch for the semi-final at Wankhede.
A BCCI spokesperson addressed the issue, stating, “The ICC 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,” as reported by The Daily Mail.
Pitch preparations at ICC events fall under the supervision of the governing body’s consultant, Andy Atkinson. He collaborates with the host board to determine which numbered pitches on the ground will be used for each game. However, a report from Mail Sport reveals that the pitch initially chosen for the crucial semi-final clash was Pitch No. 7, a fresh pitch. Contrarily, at the eleventh hour, a decision was made to use Pitch No. 6, which has already hosted two matches in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 – the England versus South Africa game and the one between India and Sri Lanka.
According to reports, Atkinson has been informed that there is an unspecified issue with Pitch No. 7, a viewpoint he is believed not to share. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the pitch slated for the finals at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, November 19. Atkinson recommended Pitch No. 5 for the summit clash, having been used only once in the tournament. However, last week, he learned that Pitch No. 6, used twice, could be selected at the last minute.
When Atkinson sought clarification on who approved these changes, the BCCI attributed it to the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA), while the GCA claimed instructions came from India’s cricket governing body, citing requests directly from the Indian team management.
As a consequence of these developments, questions arise about whether this ICC Cricket World Cup final will be the first to feature a pitch specifically chosen and prepared at the behest of the team management or the home nation board hierarchy. Atkinson’s email warned of potential concerns regarding favoritism in pitch selection, emphasizing the need for adherence to customary practices without bias toward either competing side.
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