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Controversy over Wankhede pitch for India vs NZ World Cup semifinal: Have India prepared a slow surface deliberately?

Aayush Mahajan

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India will take on New Zealand in the semi final 1 of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on Wednesday, November 15 at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

Hours before the match, a controversy has erupted regarding the pitch that will be used for the clash.

MORE: Full Cricket World Cup 2023 fixtures & results | Bet on CWC 2023 matches here (selected territories)

As reported by The Indian Express, the Rahul Dravid-led team management had requested the pitch curator to shave off the grass from the pitch.

This was done to bring the Indian spinners into the game and to also neutralise the effect of Kiwi fast-bowlers.

More details emerge in the pitch saga

Daily Mail dropped a bombshell report on Wednesday that explored the pitch saga in a larger extent. It reported that the ICC pitch consultant, Andy Atkinson, is frustrated with the fact that the semi-final between India and New Zealand was initially planned to be played on fresh surface but will now take place on a used wicket.

Also, it has been revealed that the pitch for the India versus Pakistan match was replaced. The fixture was scheduled to be held on pitch No.7, but ended up being played on pitch No.5.

Atkinson in a complaint email wrote:

"As a result of these actions, one must speculate if this will be the first ever ICC CWC [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.

"Or will it be selected or prepared without favoritism for either of the sides competing in the match in the usual manner, and unquestionably because it is the usual pitch for the occasion?"

What does the ICC pitch requirements state?

The ICC has declared no such requirement that a knockout match must be held on a fresh pitch. However, they have a guideline which states:

"It is expected that venues that are allocated the responsibility of hosting a match will present the best possible pitch and outfield conditions for that match."

What is the role of the independent ICC pitch curator?

The independent ICC pitch curator works with host and their venues on proposed pitch allocations, ensuring that the decided pitch pattern is followed.

Who selects and prepares the pitch?

The Cricket World Cup 2023 guidelines for the selection of the pitch under article 6.3, state:

"Before the match, the Ground Authority shall be responsible for the selection and preparation of the pitch. During the match, the umpires shall control its use and maintenance." In case of the India vs New Zealand semi-final, the Mumbai Cricket Association is designated 'ground authority.'

Rule 6.3.2.5 also states: "Access shall not interfere with pitch preparation." This relates to the physical access to the pitch area, which is limited to "ICC designated persons, the ICC match officials, players, team coaches and authorised television personnel," so as not to damage the pitch.

Can a team make requests over the kind of pitch they want?

Pitches curated to help the home teams is common during bilateral series, but rarer at world events. There is no law that states that a team, whether hosts or not, cannot make requests as to how the pitch is prepared. However, the final decision rests with the Ground Authority.

Who is Andy Atkinson?

Andy Atkinson is an experienced ICC pitch consultant and has worked with cricket's governing body since 1998.

Born in Essex, Atkinson played cricket for Rankins CC. Though the club had its own ground, the players were tasked with looking after it. Since Atkinson was from a farming background and knew how to drive a tractor, he was roped into preparing the ground and pitches.

Atkinson worked at the Lord's Cricket Ground, The Oval and was the head groundsman at Edgbaston, for three years before he joined the ICC panel.

As a pitch consultant, Atkinson has to work with curators and groundmen during ICC events, like the World Cup, Champions Trophy and T20 World Cups.

What did ICC say about the alleged change of pitch for the India vs NZ semi-final clash?

On Wednesday, after the India vs NZ semi-final got underway, the ICC released a statement, saying: "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."

Michael Vaughan, Pat Cummins share their opinions

Cricketer-turned-pundit Michael Vaughan shared his opinion on the matter, tweeting that a World Cup semi-final should always be played on a fresh pitch.

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

Australia captain Pat Cummins also commented on the pitch row, stating that he has not encountered any such issues as of now.

"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," Cummins said as quoted by PTI.

Former Australian players Damien Martyn and Darren Lehmann agreed with Vaughan that knockout matches should be played on fresh pitches.

Fresh pitch for ICC events a must . Not even a question , just should happen. 🤷‍♂️
— Darren Lehmann (@darren_lehmann) November 15, 2023

Agree @MichaelVaughan if this happens.. A World Cup Semi Final needs a fresh pitch. But maybe we are all missing something? #india #NewZealand #Semifinal #icccricketworldcup2023 https://t.co/MUqK2ZzTYN
— Damien Martyn🏏 (@damienmartyn) November 15, 2023