Reports: Indian Cricket Board clarifies allegation of ‘Pitch choice’ for ODI World Cup 2023 semifinal clash of India vs New Zealand

Rohit Sharma-led India is all set to lock horns against New Zealand on November 15 at the iconic Wankhede Cricket Stadium in Mumbai. However, the Indian Cricket Board is making bold headlines for altering the match pitch of Wankhede Stadium to favour the Indian bowlers in the game without seeking any official permission from the Apex Cricket Council.

Moreover, it reports that the Indian Cricket Board forced the game where India vs. Sri Lanka pitch was used on November 2, which will help India’s spin attack dominate against strong Kiwis. A few sources also claimed that the board denied using an unused pitch for the semi-final clash.

“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.

Apex Cricket Council sent its experts to various venues for each game: Indian Cricket Board

However, following these accusations, the Indian Cricket Board has clarified the whole matter in this situation. The officials clarified that the Apex Cricket Council has already sent their officials to look for the pitches.

“The Apex Cricket Council 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. The BCCI local curators have formed a local organizing group to look after pitches across the country during the World Cup. The International Cricket Council (ICC) also sent its experts to various venues for each game,” a spokesperson for the Indian Cricket Board said as quoted by The Daily Mail.