The Cricket World Cup faces controversy as the Indian board allegedlychanged the pitch for their team’s semi-final against New Zealand in Mumbaiwithout ICC approval. Similar actions may be taken if India reaches thefinal in Ahmedabad, where three of four group games were played ondifferent surfaces than scheduled.
Pitch preparation at ICC events involves consultation with the governingbody’s consultant, Andy Atkinson.
However, it has been reported that this agreement was ignored in thetournament’s crucial stages. The semi-final is set to be played on a pitchused twice, potentially favoring India’s spinners in their quest for theWorld Cup final.
The designated fresh surface, pitch No 7 at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, wassupposed to host the semi-final. Yet, a circulated WhatsApp messagerevealed a switch to pitch No 6, previously used for England vs. SouthAfrica and India vs. Sri Lanka. Atkinson was reportedly informed of anissue with pitch No 7, a view he does not share.
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Concerns extend to the final at Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday, withdoubts about plans being unilaterally altered. Atkinson’s frustration atthe lack of clarity prompted him to fly to Ahmedabad last Friday,indicating the escalating tensions surrounding pitch decisions in thetournament’s pinnacle moments.