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India's Last-Minute Pitch Switch For WC Semifinal Invites Unwanted Controversy

image-loze22n8Rohit & Dravid inspecting the pitch [X.com]

The first round of ICC Mens ODI Cricket World Cup 2023 semi-finals is just hours away. The in-form host nation India will take on former runner-ups New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

However, just a few hours before the big game, controversy gripped the Indian Cricket Board, BCCI. The Daily Mail published an article which accused the BCCI of unfair practices and defying ICC protocols. 

Apparently, the semi-final between India and New Zealand was supposed to be played on a fresh deck, i.e., pitch no.7 of the Wankhede stadium. However, changes were made overnight, and now the game will go on floors on pitch 6, which has already been used twice during the group stages.

Daily Mail claimed that the BCCI consciously overruled ICC protocols to switch the pitch surface. 

"Pitch no.6 is reportedly spin-friendly, which will directly benefit the home side", added Daily Mail.

Having said that, there has been no confirmation of the alleged surface switch so far. The BCCI and Indian team are yet to react to these unverified allegations.

As per ICC regulations, the pitches for any ICC events are prepared under the guidance and supervision of the board’s consultant. Andy Atkinson is currently handling those duties on behalf of ICC. 

Atkinson’s job is to coordinate with the host nation’s cricket board, which is BCCI in this case, to determine a guideline and agreement. Now, it’s BCCI’s responsibility to ensure that the agreement is adhered to during the curation of each and every pitch at any given venue.

With the semi-final kicking off in a couple of hours, such unwanted controversies could pose a distraction. It’s important for the BCCI to react swiftly and explain their stance. 

Also, as the preparations for the big knockout game are done and dusted, it's highly unlikely for any more changes to be enforced, let alone pitch switches. The game is expected to go on floors as per schedule on the pre-decided pitch surface.