Indian Cricket Board rubbishes reports of 'pitch-switch' ahead of India vs New Zealand 2023 World Cup semi-final

A high-intensity encounter will take place in Mumbai on Wednesday as India and New Zealand are set to lock horns in the first semi-final of the 2023 World Cup. However, the pitch at the Wankhede Stadium caught the eye before the match, with Team India coming under fire for trying to take home advantage. 

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There were reports that the pitch initially chosen to be used for the IND vs NZ semi-final has been switched to help the Indian spinners. According to a report in Daily Mail, the Indian Cricket Board asked the Wankhede pitch curators to shave off most of the grass on the surface to create a slower track. 

Andy Atkinson, the official pitch consultant of the Cricket Governing Body, had initially picked an unused surface for the high-stakes game. But later reports claimed they had decided to move to a pitch that had already been used twice in the tournament. A WhatsApp message was sent to the governing bodies regarding the 'pitch-switch' that Pitch No. 6 would be used instead of the originally selected No. 7.

However, after the reports went viral, the Indian Cricket Board hit back. A spokesperson said that a representative from the Cricket Governing Body, along with pitch curators, decides the final pitch for the game, and the board doesn't have any say in it. 

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"The Cricket Governing Body 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 Daily Mail quoted the spokesperson as saying.

Concerns were also raised about the World Cup final

Allegations have also been raised regarding the pitch for the final on Sunday, November 19 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. When Atkinson asked who allowed the change, the Indian Cricket Board and the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) were confused about who was to blame.

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"As a result of these actions, one must speculate if this will be the first ever 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 favouritism for either of the sides competing in the match in the usual manner, and unquestionably because it is the usual pitch for the occasion?' Atkinson warned in an email.