Reports: Controversy over India’s ‘pitch choice’ swirls ahead of ODI World Cup 2023 semifinal clash vs New Zealand

Team India is all set to lock horns against New Zealand on November 15 at the iconic Wankhede Cricket Stadium in Mumbai. Notably, the hosts ended their journey in the top spot in the league stage of the ODI World Cup 2023, and they will be looking to defeat the Black Caps in the upcoming clash. On the other hand, the Kiwis have finished themselves in fourth place with five wins and four losses in the tournament.

However, according to reports, the Indian Cricket Board has been accused of pitching the black soil conditions in Wankhede Stadium ahead of their semi-final clash. Moreover, it has been reported that they have not received any permission from the Apex Cricket Council for this bold step.

Moreover, earlier it was reported that the game of the semi-final would be played on the unused surface; however, the Indian Cricket Board requested to play on the used surface where India vs. Sri Lanka was played at Wankhede Stadium. In addition, these things are just to help the Indian bowlers defeat the Kiwis. Furthermore, it is reported that India’s world-class spinners will get help in playing the game on the used surface.

Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium pitch won’t be a turner but the team had asked for a slow pitch: Reports

“As a result of these actions, one must speculate if this will be the first ever [Cricket 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,” Atkinson’s email warned, as reported by the Daily Mail.

“A Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) official confirmed that a message was conveyed to prepare a slow track before the home team reached Mumbai. It won’t be a turner but the team had asked for a slow pitch. It was the main reason we shaved off the grass,’’ a source said.