The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been embroiled in a controversy surrounding allegations that it has altered pitches to favor the Indian team during the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. These claims have surfaced ahead of the much-awaited semifinal match between India and New Zealand.
According to a report published by British news outlet The Daily Mail, the BCCI has changed the pitch for the upcoming semifinal without obtaining the necessary permission from the International Cricket Council (ICC). The report further suggests that the BCCI intends to make similar modifications for the final if India qualifies.
As per ICC regulations, the preparation of pitches for major events falls under the supervision of the governing body’s consultant, who collaborates with the host board to determine which numbered strips on the field will be used for each match. However, the BCCI has been accused of disregarding these rules and failing to consult with ICC consultant Andy Atkinson during the ongoing World Cup.
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Initially, it was agreed upon between the BCCI and the ICC that the semifinal would take place on a fresh pitch, surface No 7. However, the Indian cricket board has reportedly opted for pitch No 6, which has already been used twice during the tournament.
A World Cup semi should be played on a fresh pitch .. It’s as simple as that .. https://t.co/dRf6rlTO2O
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 15, 2023
Facing mounting pressure, the BCCI has denied any wrongdoing. A BCCI spokesperson was quoted as saying, “The ICC independent pitch consultant works closely with the host and venues on their proposed pitch allocations, and this ongoing process is part of the standard procedure for an event of this magnitude.”
Prior to the pitch-altering allegations, the Indian team management was also accused of instructing curators to remove most of the grass from the Wankhede Stadium pitch. According to The Indian Express, the Indian team communicated their preference to the Wankhede curator following their match against the Netherlands in Bengaluru.
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“The BCCI local curators have formed a local organizing group to manage pitches across the country during the World Cup. The International Cricket Council (ICC) also deployed its own experts to various venues for each game,” The Indian Express reported.
A source added, “While it won’t be a turner, the team had requested a slow pitch. That was the primary reason we shaved off the grass.”
