BCCI didn't switch cricket pitch in semi-final match against NewZealand
In the ongoing Cricket World Cup, India’s winning streak persists as they clinched victory in the semi-final against New Zealand this Wednesday. This triumph marks their 10th consecutive win, portraying a seemingly invincible performance on all fronts. Touchwood. However, akin to India’s overarching success, the remarkable journey on the 22-yard pitch has not been immune to controversy. The latest contention revolves around cricket pitches, with allegations from English media to Pakistani social platforms suggesting that India is utilizing pre-used pitches to favor their spin bowling.
English Newspaper Daily Mail Published a report with the headline, “ Cricket World Cup Storm as India are accused of switching the pitch for semi-finals clash with New Zealand in Mumbai against ICC agreement to aid their spinners”
Indian leftist commentator and journalist Sagarika Ghose amplified the allegations made by an English Newspaper by sharing it on X.
Pakistani X handle, Aamir Mumtaz wrote, ‘Indian cheating exposed, According to Sources: The semi-final was initially supposed to be played on Pitch- 7 which is a fresh surface. Pitch numbers 6-8-6-8-7 was the planned rotation for all matches at Mumbai Wankhede. Pitches number 6 and 8 have been used so far, twice each. However, the rotation has been changed for semis and the pitch no. 8 will be again used for the match.’
Pakistani Sports Journalist, Imran Siddiqui wrote, ‘Controversy before Semi Final. It’s pitch Tempering from India, it is claimed that indian board have switched the pitch for the semi-final, Semi Final to be played on a pitch that has already used twice, India is taking home advantage in ICC event.’
Before delving further, it’s crucial to elucidate the nature of the controversy. The semi-final clash between India and New Zealand has become embroiled in a contentious discourse surrounding the cricket pitch. Allegations have surfaced, asserting that the Indian team deviated from the initially anticipated pitch, intentionally opting for an older, used surface—purportedly a slower pitch advantageous for their spin bowling. The pivotal question emerges: is the utilization of a pre-used pitch in the semi-finals an unconventional or unnatural practice? Let’s unravel the truth behind these claims.
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To address the prevailing controversy surrounding the alleged influence of a slow pitch favoring spin bowling, a thorough examination of the statistics is imperative. In the first innings, India posted an impressive total of 397 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in 50 overs. In response, New Zealand managed 327 runs in 48.5 overs, losing all 10 wickets. India achieved a run rate of 7.94, while New Zealand secured a rate of 6.7.
Analyzing the wickets taken, it is noteworthy that all four wickets from the New Zealand side were claimed by fast bowlers. Conversely, on the Indian side, 09 out of 10 wickets were taken by fast bowlers. In summary, a total of 14 wickets fell across both innings, with fast bowlers securing 13 of them, leaving just one wicket for the spinner, and that too at an economy rate of 5.6. Further examination reveals that the other Indian spinner, Ravindra Jadeja, conceded 63 runs at an economy rate of 6.3.
The statistical evidence unequivocally makes its case. Contrary to the claimed influence of spin bowling, both fast and spin bowlers were met with formidable resistance from the batsmen on the field. Even Muhammad Shami, who secured seven wickets, found himself contending with the relentless onslaught of batsmen, conceding 57 runs in 9.5 overs at an economy rate of 5.8. Jasprit Bumrah who is known for this mesmerizing display of precision conceded runs at an economy of 6.4. This unequivocally indicates that the Wankhede pitch lived up to its reputation as a batting paradise, offering no surprises deviating from the norm of cricketing expectations.
Yet another allegation levied against the Indian cricket team involves the insinuation that they clandestinely manipulated the pitch to suit their advantage. However, this claim lacks any substantive merit. It is essential to emphasize that cricket pitches are invariably prepared under the scrutiny and guidance of International Cricket Council curators. Adding weight to this, Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, a finalist in the World Cup, sought to quell the controversy surrounding cricket pitches by stating “Obviously the ICC has an independent pitch curator who manages that. I’m sure they are all over making sure it’s fair to both teams. So far in this tournament that we’ve played on, I haven’t seen any issues.”
The genesis of the entire controversy can be traced back to the stance of ICC pitch consultant Andy Atkinson. According to Daily Mail, Atkinson was furious over the notion that India had specifically requested a used pitch rather than a fresh one. His disagreement on this matter escalated into a significant uproar, giving rise to various conspiracy theories.
However, according to ESPN, the ICC released a statement saying the change was not unusual. “Changes to planned pitch rotations are common towards the end of an event of this length and has already happened a couple of times. This change was made on the recommendation of the venue curator in conjunction with our host. The ICC independent pitch consultant was apprised of the change and has no reason to believe the pitch won’t play well.”
The report further reads, “According to the ICC’s Playing Conditions for the World Cup, the relevant ‘ground authority’ is “responsible for the selection and preparation of the pitch” before any given match – in this case, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA). The ICC also have an independent pitch consultant, Andy Atkinson, who works alongside local groundstaff.”
As evident, the ICC has clarified that adapting the pitch according to prevailing conditions is not an uncommon practice. Whether such pitch changes have occurred previously will discover soon enough. Closing the lid on this controversy, it is evident that the cricket pitch was curated by the MCA and ICC pitch consultant. Without a shadow of a doubt, Atkinson had the ultimate authority in determining the pitch on which the game was played. Furthermore, historical records indicate a trend where the host team has consistently emerged as the favorite in tournaments. Since the 2011 World Cup, the host team has unfailingly secured victory, a pattern that should come as no surprise.
Not too distant in the past, during the 2022 World Cup in Australia, both the semi-finals in Sydney and Adelaide unfolded on used pitches. Additionally, in the 2017 Champions Trophy semi-final in Cardiff, a similar scenario transpired. On that occasion, the ICC clarified, stating that there is no rule mandating the use of exclusively fresh or used pitches for any match in an ICC event.
During the 2022 T20 World Cup, India faced a resounding defeat against England in the semi-final, played on a used pitch. Remarkably, there were no grievances from the Indian team about the pitch conditions. It is only fair to anticipate sportsmanship and from both sides of the aisle.
Hence, armed with three compelling pieces of evidence, we have dispelled any notion of a nefarious plot unfolding on the cricket pitch. The India-New Zealand pitch undeniably served as a batting paradise, substantiated by statistical evidence. Furthermore, the absence of any rule mandating the use of fresh pitches in the semi-finals has been consistently clarified by the ICC on multiple occasions. In concluding this discussion, let us reflect on the words of the legendary Sunil Gavaskar, “, All those morons who are talking about the pitch being changed so that it gives Indian bowlers the favour, I hope that they will stop taking potshots at India just because help you to get your eyeballs or whatever it was.”
| Claim | Indian Cricket team conspired to play on a used pitch to favour their spinners. |
| Claimed by | Daily Mail and Pakistani cricket buffs |
| Fact Check | Misleading |
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