[Report] BCCI accused of switching pitches in ICC World Cup 2023

[Sycamore]

NZ can hold their heads up high, pitch being tampered with, India getting the best batting conditions on a tired surface, with then facing the ball under lights moving all over... add to that no dew tonight therefore kuldeep and jadeja spinning the ball miles yet they still managed to give them a run. India needed every bit of help.

 

[Itachi]

NZ can hold their heads up high, pitch being tampered with, India getting the best batting conditions on a tired surface, with then facing the ball under lights moving all over... add to that no dew tonight therefore kuldeep and jadeja spinning the ball miles yet they still managed to give them a run. India needed every bit of help.

Fortune favors the brave.

Unless of course if you claim BCCI can control dew factor then it's a whole different scenario altogether.

 

[Ahmed216]

I truly believe India are good enough to win this tournament in any case. Changed pitch or not

 

[jnaveen1980]

Sunil Gavaskar openly called all the pitch controversy guys a morons on TV.

 

[Rajdeep]

NZ can hold their heads up high, pitch being tampered with, India getting the best batting conditions on a tired surface, with then facing the ball under lights moving all over... add to that no dew tonight therefore kuldeep and jadeja spinning the ball miles yet they still managed to give them a run. India needed every bit of help.

Your lack of cricket knowledge is astounding. A tired worn out surface will take more grip in day time under sun. So if the accusations of pitch tampering is true, India didn't got the best batting conditions but yet went onto score 398.

Under lights and with dew falling in, ball spins less and comes better onto the bat in a slow pitch. So kiwis got better conditions to bat.

For sure NZ can hold their heads up high but not for the reasons you are highlighting.

 

[Buffet]

It was a super flat pitch. We saw 700+ runs.

 

[Ahmed216]

Your lack of cricket knowledge is astounding. A tired worn out surface will take more grip in day time under sun. So if the accusations of pitch tampering is true, India didn't got the best batting conditions but yet went onto score 398.

Under lights and with dew falling in, ball spins less and comes better onto the bat in a slow pitch. So kiwis got better conditions to bat.

For sure NZ can hold their heads up high but not for the reasons you are highlighting.

There was not a drop of dew today.
Because it was a used pitch it kept on getting slower n slower as the game progressed.
Luckily for India they won the toss otherwise this decision to not use a fresh pitch(as was stipulated) could have backfired

 

[CricketCartoons]

NZ can hold their heads up high, pitch being tampered with, India getting the best batting conditions on a tired surface, with then facing the ball under lights moving all over... add to that no dew tonight therefore kuldeep and jadeja spinning the ball miles yet they still managed to give them a run. India needed every bit of help.

The pitch was tampered after the toss? Or someone tampered the pitch and let it to chance decided by the coin, giving both teams equal opportunity to use the best batting conditions?

 

[CricketCartoons]

There was not a drop of dew today.
Because it was a used pitch it kept on getting slower n slower as the game progressed.
Luckily for India they won the toss otherwise this decision to not use a fresh pitch(as was stipulated) could have backfired

If the luck factor was decided by toss, then it was fair. Giving both teams equal chance.

 

[Rajdeep]

There was not a drop of dew today.
Because it was a used pitch it kept on getting slower n slower as the game progressed.
Luckily for India they won the toss otherwise this decision to not use a fresh pitch(as was stipulated) could have backfired

LOL the pitch never got slow...it was skidding onto the surface. Again, looks like either you have not followed the game or simply upset bcoz #IndiaInFinals

 

[JaDed]

Wankhede stadium pitches in this WC had no spin at all for the spinners. So if the pitch has massive assistance for spinners then it will be doctored by BCCI.

The article truth will be in front of us within 3 and half hours. Relax guys

What’s your opinion now?

 

[ChennaiFan]

Your lack of cricket knowledge is astounding. A tired worn out surface will take more grip in day time under sun. So if the accusations of pitch tampering is true, India didn't got the best batting conditions but yet went onto score 398.

Under lights and with dew falling in, ball spins less and comes better onto the bat in a slow pitch. So kiwis got better conditions to bat.

For sure NZ can hold their heads up high but not for the reasons you are highlighting.

I don't believe it is lack of cricket knowledge. It is just an attempt to cling on to anything and hope it holds. In the process, they lose all the logic.

 

[GLORY OF '92]

Its a clear case of pitch doctoring. The Indians batsman batted on a flat pitch, and the Kiwis are now batting on a different pitch with loads of seam movement. Its like a NZ pitch. I bet thy will change the pitch again when the spinners come into play.

I think the pitch is changed during drinks the technology these days I tell you man

 

[Mamoon]

NZ can hold their heads up high, pitch being tampered with, India getting the best batting conditions on a tired surface, with then facing the ball under lights moving all over... add to that no dew tonight therefore kuldeep and jadeja spinning the ball miles yet they still managed to give them a run. India needed every bit of help.

And you can hold your head high knowing that you will not recognize India’s World Cup win (if they win) and will sleep peacefully at night.

 

[latecut]

I think the pitch is changed during drinks the technology these days I tell you man

Only India possesses this technology.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

And you can hold your head high knowing that you will not recognize India’s World Cup win (if they win) and will sleep peacefully at night.

All honest and decent people must protest at this tainted win*

 

[Mamoon]

All honest and decent people must protest at this tainted win*

You are welcome to book a ticket for Dubai and make a beeline outside ICC HQs to protest.

Armchair criticism/social media warfare will have zero impact.

 

[Abdullah]

This is truly pathetic by the BCCI, made another flat Phatta, I was expecting NZ to be bowled out for under 100 with the new doctored pitch....

700 + runs scored and nothing in it for the bowlers, this is what is killing ODI cricket off...

Were you watching the game. The ball was spinning A LOT by the last 20 overs. Too much in fact, NZ batted amazingly to get the ask to 103 off 44 with 6 wickets (until Phillips got out) but they were negotiating a turning ball.
Normally Wankhede under lights it doesnt spin that much, so the used pitch definately helped

 

[JaDed]

It was supposed to be not flat is it not flat?

 

[Technics 1210]

NZ can hold their heads up high, pitch being tampered with, India getting the best batting conditions on a tired surface, with then facing the ball under lights moving all over... add to that no dew tonight therefore kuldeep and jadeja spinning the ball miles yet they still managed to give them a run. India needed every bit of help.

Orchestration in a nutshell.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

You are welcome to book a ticket for Dubai and make a beeline outside ICC HQs to protest.

Armchair criticism/social media warfare will have zero impact.

It has the same impact as armchair support.

We are all armchair fans here.

 

[JaDed]

It was supposed to spin, did it spin?

 

[Mamoon]

It has the same impact as armchair support.

We are all armchair fans here.

Support has no impact but criticism does. If you want to fight for a cause or take a stand against son perceived injustice then you should be doing it in an impactful way.

Pakistani fans crying on social media and cricket forums will have no impact. That is their bread n butter anyway.

If it is not pitch-tampering, it is match-fixing. If it is not match-fixing, it is DRS tampering. If it is not tampering, it is something else but there will always be something that they will moan about which is why no one listens to them or pays any attention to them.

 

[Cricket_fan_2021]

Just a week ago Andy Atkinson was in India at Eden Garderns before India vs SA match and mentions he is pleased with how good the pitches have been in this World Cup.

This directly contradicts unverified reports from the Daily Mail.

Here’s another another article, a direct statement from Atkinson

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com...c-curator-gives-a-thumbs-up-to-indian-wickets

This also contradicts Daily mails post.

IMO daily mails post should be taken down considering all they have is a WhatsApp group message as a source. They don’t have any statements, it’s all speculation and heresy, not journalism.

This report is COMPLETELY bunk.

Also for those who don't know...
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).

End of story.. move on and enough with conspiracy theories.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Support has no impact but criticism does. If you want to fight for a cause or take a stand against son perceived injustice then you should be doing it in an impactful way.

Pakistani fans crying on social media and cricket forums will have no impact. That is their bread n butter anyway.

If it is not pitch-tampering, it is match-fixing. If it is not match-fixing, it is DRS tampering. If it is not tampering, it is something else but there will always be something that they will moan about which is why no one listens to them or pays any attention to them.

This issue was raised by a British Umpire and made worldwide news because of the British media covering it.

This forum is predominantly Pakistani so ofcourse you will be exposed to the perspective of Pakistani fans. But we didnt make this news up nor did we ask the Indians to underhandedly change the pitch.

Once the act of cheating took place then its fair game for anyone to discuss.

 

[Bhaijaan]

Two finals in a row

And now this heart breaking semi final loss

Feeling sad for NZ. Tough luck bro @Aman Youbare a champion cricket nation. Please don’t give up. Never do that.

 

[AMSS]

I think the accusations merit further investigation. My questions are:

1. Who has the final authority in selecting the pitch? The ICC official? Or is he just one of member of the committee?
2. Has such a switch happened before? ICC's response says it has occurred in the past. If so, under what circumstances?

But additionally, I'd ask the following

1. Given that WC2019 had no spinners in top 15 wicket takers, it's clear the wickets were designed to negate subcontinent teams. Who was in charge of pitches then? Did the pitch monitoring committee in that WC figure any member from the subcontinent?

 

[TheRock]

Spinners from both teams failed to take any wicket. And looked non-threatening. Both teams scored well in excess of 300. This was definitely a doctored pitch. LOL

 

[Cricket_fan_2021]

I think the accusations merit further investigation. My questions are:

1. Who has the final authority in selecting the pitch? The ICC official? Or is he just one of member of the committee?
2. Has such a switch happened before? ICC's response says it has occurred in the past. If so, under what circumstances?

But additionally, I'd ask the following

1. Given that WC2019 had no spinners in top 15 wicket takers, it's clear the wickets were designed to negate subcontinent teams. Who was in charge of pitches then? Did the pitch monitoring committee in that WC figure any member from the subcontinent?

Hopefully this puts and end this.

ICC issues clarification on Wankhede pitch row

According to the ICC's tournament playing conditions, the relevant ground authority -- in this case the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) - ‘is responsible for the selection and preparation of the pitch’ before any given match'

www.livemint.com

 

[Aman]

Can't complain conditions seemed pretty similar through out. India are deserving finalists and would have likely progressed regardless of which pitch was used.

Still have issue of BCCI deciding the pitch and sets a bad precedent going forward with teams being free to decide what pitch they want for crucial games. Thats the crux of the matter irrespective of anything else.

 

[AMSS]

I see. So the ENG media literally manufactured a controversy on the eve of a semifinal and got millions of engagements on social media.

 

[GLORY OF '92]

I see. So the ENG media literally manufactured a controversy on the eve of a semifinal and got millions of engagements on social media.

Daily Mail is a joke. Anti Islam and Anti Asian newspaper in general.

 

[pillionrider]

NZ can hold their heads up high, pitch being tampered with, India getting the best batting conditions on a tired surface, with then facing the ball under lights moving all over... add to that no dew tonight therefore kuldeep and jadeja spinning the ball miles yet they still managed to give them a run. India needed every bit of help.

You forgot to mention the doctored toss because without that, none of the rest of your emotional post would make any sense

 

[Navdeep Srivastava]

Can't complain conditions seemed pretty similar through out. India are deserving finalists and would have likely progressed regardless of which pitch was used.

Still have issue of BCCI deciding the pitch and sets a bad precedent going forward with teams being free to decide what pitch they want for crucial games. Thats the crux of the matter irrespective of anything else.

Actually that is a good point

 

[Navdeep Srivastava]

You forgot to mention the doctored toss because without that, none of the rest of your emotional post would make any sense

Ant man was used to get the right side

 

[pillionrider]

It was supposed to spin, did it spin?

Kuldeep's last couple overs. But he was bowling mostly flat earlier fearing Mitchell.

 

[ex-q-zit]

Gavaskar on air regarding the pitch change controversy:

"All the morons who were talking about the pitch change. Just stop. Stop taking potshots at Indian cricket. People have said a lot of things to attract eyeballs or whatever. It is all nonsense. The pitch was there and even if it was changed, it was there before the toss for both the teams. It was not changed in the middle of the innings. It was not changed after the toss was done. If you are a good enough team, you play on that pitch and you win. India has done that. So stop talking about pitches. Already they are talking about Ahmedabad and the second semifinal hasn't even taken place. They are talking about the pitch being changed in Ahmedabad. Nonsense,".

 

[Saurav]

Used pitch was so slow that batsmen scored over 700 runs and fast bowler took 7 wickets

 

[Energy]

If the host country has the right to take decisions at short notice, in an ICC governed tournament- then surely there's no need for the ICC in the first place.

I still stand by my original statement. We need a coconut cracking ceremony introduced at the toss to decide everything. This way India will win all the tosses and don't need to cheat their way cheekily.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Used pitch was so slow that batsmen scored over 700 runs and fast bowler took 7 wickets

It is very difficult to come up with a narrative for that combination

 

[Rajdeep]

Used pitch was so slow that batsmen scored over 700 runs and fast bowler took 7 wickets

Concerted efforts been made to defame this world cup from certain sections since the beginning. I hope ICC investigates this once this tournament is over.

 

[rhony]

Kane says pitch was good. I guess that closes the matter. These speculations are mental games played by Indian press

 

[ex-q-zit]

If the host country has the right to take decisions at short notice, in an ICC governed tournament- then surely there's no need for the ICC in the first place.

I still stand by my original statement. We need a coconut cracking ceremony introduced at the toss to decide everything. This way India will win all the tosses and don't need to cheat their way cheekily.

Can you specify what exactly was the cheating? Was the pitch made to tailor Indian team? Santner, Rachin, Jadeja and Kuldeep collectively accounted for 1 wicket. Both teams made over 300. What exactly was the advantage India was looking for by preparing a good batting pitch? Maybe India used technology to prevent dew in the second innings.

 

[Energy]

Can you specify what exactly was the cheating? Was the pitch made to tailor Indian team? Santner, Rachin, Jadeja and Kuldeep collectively accounted for 1 wicket. Both teams made over 300. What exactly was the advantage India was looking for by preparing a good batting pitch? Maybe India used technology to prevent dew in the second innings.

It's not about the result. It's about the short-notice changes made on the consent of the host country in a tournament that's under the jurisdiction of the ICC, the global cricketing institution. Kumble mentioned that they had already wired the original pitch and then suddenly were asked to switch to a new surface. This decision was taken by the curator most likely after consulting the home team. The ICC was only 'informed' about the change as courtesy perhaps.

 

[MenInG]

As usual Indian fans with that chip on their shoulder

It's a news story - we didn't write it - live with it.

If you have a view on the story, do express it but leave out the lagan type reactions or your posts won't feature here.

 

[ex-q-zit]

It's not about the result. It's about the short-notice changes made on the consent of the host country in a tournament that's under the jurisdiction of the ICC, the global cricketing institution. Kumble mentioned that they had already wired the original pitch and then suddenly were asked to switch to a new surface. This decision was taken by the curator most likely after consulting the home team. The ICC was only 'informed' about the change as courtesy perhaps.

@bold: That is exactly my point. Why will Dravid and Rohit ask to prepare a normal ODi pitch? Isn't that a given in Wankhade? All matches in Wankhade in the WC has scores posted over 350. It would make sense if home team asked the curator to prepare a rank turner where both teams were bundled out under 200.

 

[Energy]

@bold: That is exactly my point. Why will Dravid and Rohit ask to prepare a normal ODi pitch? Isn't that a given in Wankhade? All matches in Wankhade in the WC has scores posted over 350. It would make sense if home team asked the curator to prepare a rank turner where both teams were bundled out under 200.

Again, the question here is not to find the rationale. The question is why the change was advised at short notice in the first place?

 

[ex-q-zit]

Again, the question here is not to find the rationale. The question is why the change was advised at short notice in the first place?

Hope this helps:

Earlier, the International Cricket Council (ICC) issued a statement regarding the entire incident.

"Changes to planned pitch rotations are common towards the end of an event of this length, and have already happened a couple of times.

"This change was made on the recommendation of the venue curator in conjunction with our host," the ICC said in a statement.

 

[OMB]

This is truly pathetic by the BCCI, made another flat Phatta, I was expecting NZ to be bowled out for under 100 with the new doctored pitch....

700 + runs scored and nothing in it for the bowlers, this is what is killing ODI cricket off...

Shami is the only one not complaining

 

[OMB]

If the host country has the right to take decisions at short notice, in an ICC governed tournament- then surely there's no need for the ICC in the first place.

I still stand by my original statement. We need a coconut cracking ceremony introduced at the toss to decide everything. This way India will win all the tosses and don't need to cheat their way cheekily.

What if the daily mail reports next day that the coconut has got a chip inside?

 

[Energy]

Hope this helps:

Earlier, the International Cricket Council (ICC) issued a statement regarding the entire incident.

"Changes to planned pitch rotations are common towards the end of an event of this length, and have already happened a couple of times.

"This change was made on the recommendation of the venue curator in conjunction with our host," the ICC said in a statement.

Why did the ICCs independent pitch consultant then write that email? If its termed as common practice.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Ball change technology
Pitch change technology
Toss winning technology

So much secret technology we Indians have developed.

Seriously, these journalists from certain countries cannot digest the success of Asians.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Why did the ICCs independent pitch consultant then write that email? If its termed as common practice.

Who told you he wrote that email? ICC?

 

[RidiculousMan]

India doesn't really need this. I don't understand why BCCI is risking to make things bitter and risk more mud being splashed on them.

 

[Energy]

Who told you he wrote that email? ICC?

Why would the ICC tell me. They are BCCIs and everyone knows that.

ICC is playing to the tune because they realise the BCCI curator has more balls to change the pitch at host nation's orders while the ICCs own pitch consultant can only email their boss only to be told off to ssshhh.

Coconut cracking needed asap. Rohit throws the coin too far for comfort.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

I think the accusations merit further investigation. My questions are:

1. Who has the final authority in selecting the pitch? The ICC official? Or is he just one of member of the committee?
2. Has such a switch happened before? ICC's response says it has occurred in the past. If so, under what circumstances?

But additionally, I'd ask the following

1. Given that WC2019 had no spinners in top 15 wicket takers, it's clear the wickets were designed to negate subcontinent teams. Who was in charge of pitches then? Did the pitch monitoring committee in that WC figure any member from the subcontinent?

These are the questions that need asking.

 

[ex-q-zit]

Why would the ICC tell me. They are BCCIs and everyone knows that.

ICC is playing to the tune because they realise the BCCI curator has more balls to change the pitch at host nation's orders while the ICCs own pitch consultant can only email their boss only to be told off to ssshhh.

Coconut cracking needed asap. Rohit throws the coin too far for comfort.

Was the ICC not BCCIs in 2016 when India hosted the t20 WC when India lost vs WI at this very Wankhade stadium? Was it not the issue when India was the host of 2021 t20 WC? Oh OK, this time India is doing well so its a conspiracy. If India lost then everything would be rosy.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Can you say why the curator changed the pitch from a freshly prepared track for this prestigious semi final, to a 2-time used one, less than 24 hrs before the match?

Can you say why it's wrong in the first place for a curator to do that?

 

[ex-q-zit]

Can you say why the curator changed the pitch from a freshly prepared track for this prestigious semi final, to a 2-time used one, less than 24 hrs before the match?

How does it matter as long as the pitch was a good one? Like Rashid Latif said in his show the last time this pitch was used was 10 days ago which is enough time for the curator to work on it. Your question makes sense if he prepared a rank turner to help India and switched it 24 hours before the match. It was a normal ODI pitch so how does it matter what pitch was used as long as it was fair for both teams?

 

[Cricket_fan_2021]

there was no email.. all this is supposedly on whatsapp.. which makes all this even more of a fantasy conspiracy. Now grow up and move on. India won, fair and square.

Did these people forget that Jadeja got smacked left right and center and ended up with 0 wickets?

This game was won by a pacer... not a spinner. so all those complaining the curator chose a spin-friendly pitch... come on now!

 

[OMB]

To those who believe toss was doctored and are opposing coconut cracking, please be aware that the coconuts, like the proverbial grapes, can be sour too

 

[soso_killer]

This is disgraceful and kind of takes the shine away from what has been a brilliant display by India. There's absolutely no need to doctor pitches as they have a side to compete in most conditions

 

[soso_killer]

Farcical.

If true India should really be disqualified and their spot given to someone else.

Probably wouldn't be the first time they've done it this tournament.

It's disgraceful imo. I've noticed that their matches had more turning wickets compared to other sides.

 

[rpant_gabba]

It's disgraceful imo. I've noticed that their matches had more turning wickets compared to other sides.

Yet, the guy making the difference is Shami......

 

[Ahmed216]

It's disgraceful imo. I've noticed that their matches had more turning wickets compared to other sides.

Afghanistan has also benefitted from pitch rigging

 

[Mockingbird]

It's disgraceful imo. I've noticed that their matches had more turning wickets compared to other sides

Was this pitch turning? 700 freaking runs were scored on this wicket

 

[Romali_rotti]

Were you watching the game. The ball was spinning A LOT by the last 20 overs. Too much in fact, NZ batted amazingly to get the ask to 103 off 44 with 6 wickets (until Phillips got out) but they were negotiating a turning ball.
Normally Wankhede under lights it doesnt spin that much, so the used pitch definately helped

Yeah I was watching the same match, question is where you watching the same match? Spinners from both teams had similar stats and were not economical.

I expected a 100 all out on a rank turner, this was truly pathetic by the BCCI to troll everyone with a flat Phatta, when ever you have a game with more than 700 runs being scored, it is a one sided pitch made only for batsmen...

Pathetic by BCCI, I expected NZ to be all out for a 100 or less.

 

[HitWicket]

Just a week ago Andy Atkinson was in India at Eden Garderns before India vs SA match and mentions he is pleased with how good the pitches have been in this World Cup.

This directly contradicts unverified reports from the Daily Mail.

Here’s another another article, a direct statement from Atkinson

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com...c-curator-gives-a-thumbs-up-to-indian-wickets

This also contradicts Daily mails post.

IMO daily mails post should be taken down considering all they have is a WhatsApp group message as a source. They don’t have any statements, it’s all speculation and heresy, not journalism.

This report is COMPLETELY bunk.

Also for those who don't know...
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).

End of story.. move on and enough with conspiracy theories.

Absolutely nothing in this article contradicts what the daily mail reported this morning. The fact the ICC haven't even tried to suggest the emails from Andy Atkinson weren't real says it all.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Absolutely nothing in this article contradicts what the daily mail reported this morning. The fact the ICC haven't even tried to suggest the emails from Andy Atkinson weren't real says it all.

Why will ICC talk about any communication that exists or doesn't exist between them and their employee?

The BCCI hasn't even given a statement, tells you how much importance they give to these journalists.

 

[cricketjoshila]

It's disgraceful imo. I've noticed that their matches had more turning wickets compared to other sides.

Which one? Except Chennai.

Chennai pitches spin even during IPL. That's the nature of the pitch.

Btw all Indian pitches will have some help for spinners.

 

[uppercut]

Were you watching the game. The ball was spinning A LOT by the last 20 overs. Too much in fact, NZ batted amazingly to get the ask to 103 off 44 with 6 wickets (until Phillips got out) but they were negotiating a turning ball.
Normally Wankhede under lights it doesnt spin that much, so the used pitch definately helped

Threfore the Toss must have been fixed too ... right ?

 

[JaDed]

The new pak fans seem to be oblivious to how spin and seam work, no wonder Shadab was their pick.

 

[cricketjoshila]

The new pak posters seem to be oblivious to how spin and seam work, no wonder Shadab was their pick.

Many have Afridi as their hero, the last generation had Wasim Waqar Imran Saqlain etc as heroes.

Ideals matter.

 

[Itachi]

Again, the question here is not to find the rationale. The question is why the change was advised at short notice in the first place?

May be there were some English people (or players) and out of habit, peed on the pitch as some kind of celebration which may render it useless?

 

[sweep_shot]

This is blatant cheating (if true).

Unbelievable.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Some are calling it ICC regulations but the truth of the matter is that it is up to the local ground authority to determine which pitch it is played on.

And looks like the local curator knew better than Atkinson as to which surface would provide a better contest for 100 overs.

Considering that Atkinsons concern was that this so called "used" pitch (13 days since previous game on it) would favour spinners and the home side more, that concern should easily have been assuaged after actually watching the match . Easily the fairest surface at the Wankhede in the whole tournament .

So, neither has the MCA done anything "illegal" nor did it prove to be favourable to any side . In fact, the local curator proved to be right.


This is especially ironic when the 2019 CWC semifinal involving OZ vs ENG happened on a surface which clearly favoured the chasing side as a tacky deck kept getting easier and easier throughout the day and heavily favoured the chasing side

I believe Andy Atkinson was the ICC consultant even then and saw nothing wrong in that surface. Or in that World T20 Dubai surface or on the used surfaces for SF's in 2022 World T20.

 

[160KPH]

The ICC governing body released a statement, suggesting changes were not uncommon.

“Changes to planned pitch rotations are common towards the end of an event of this length, and has already happened a couple of times,” it read.

“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.”

FOXSPORTS

This statement just confirms exactly what was being accused in the original article.

“The change was made on the recommendation of the venue curator in conjunction with our host”

Yes, this is exactly what the issue is. There is an official process laid out by the ICC for such changes and that was not followed. Behind the back of the ICC, the curator and the host nation chose a different pitch for their benefit.

“The ICC independent pitch consultant was apprised of the change”

It’s hilarious that the word “apprised” was used here to make this sentence sound better. Apprised just means told. This sentence means the ICC independent pitch consultant was told of the change - after the change was already made. This ICC statement is just an admission of guilt.

The ultimate issue is of course:
India has dominated the tournament. They most likely would have dominated the tournament even without doing all of these shady behaviors to tilt the scale in their favor. So because of these factors, anyone who makes any criticism will just be told that they’re only angry because their team did not win. But of course, right and wrong does not change just because a team wins a cricket match.

And the longer term issue is that in the near future, BCCI will only continue to grow in power at the expense of other boards. This is largely due to the size of the media market in India - India’s population is like 5 times the size of the rest of the cricketing nations put together. So cricket will continue to move towards a system that is favorable to the BCCI. More snd more aspects of the game will be monetized - particularly aimed at the Indian cricketing audience. Most of the people who have enjoyed the game for a long time will probably just shift towards watching Test cricket or none at all, although this may not matter if new fans who are fascinated with T20 increase viewership. But of course, the empty crowds throughout the entirety of this WC existed for a reason.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Some are calling it ICC regulations but the truth of the matter is that it is up to the local ground authority to determine which pitch it is played on.

And looks like the local curator knew better than Atkinson as to which surface would provide a better contest for 100 overs.

Considering that Atkinsons concern was that this so called "used" pitch (13 days since previous game on it) would favour spinners and the home side more, that concern should easily have been assuaged after actually watching the match . Easily the fairest surface at the Wankhede in the whole tournament .

So, neither has the MCA done anything "illegal" nor did it prove to be favourable to any side . In fact, the local curator proved to be right.


This is especially ironic when the 2019 CWC semifinal involving OZ vs ENG happened on a surface which clearly favoured the chasing side as a tacky deck kept getting easier and easier throughout the day and heavily favoured the chasing side

I believe Andy Atkinson was the ICC consultant even then and saw nothing wrong in that surface. Or in that World T20 Dubai surface or on the used surfaces for SF's in 2022 World T20.

There's a reason why ICC keeps the local association involved in pitch making and pitch selection.

1.They know local conditions much better.

2. One man's bias will not be able to affect a game.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Kane Williamson during India vs New Zealand Post-match presser:

[Reporter:]

There was a storm on social media this morning about the pitch and everything about it, but three blokes scoring centuries, a guy getting a seven-wicket haul, 700 runs being scored, there wasn't really anything wrong with it was there?

[Kane Williamson:]

No, I mean, yeah it was a used wicket, but a pretty good surface really, as we saw. I mean, they got plenty out of it in the first half of the match. And conditions, I guess they change as they go under lights and things, and that's what we've seen throughout this competition. That's fine, that's what you expect and they played really well. So yeah, I mean it's disappointing to get to this stage and not go further, but also at the same time you sort of reflect on the seven weeks rather than a couple of small moments and we lost to a better side.​

 

[Aman]

This statement just confirms exactly what was being accused in the original article.

“The change was made on the recommendation of the venue curator in conjunction with our host”

Yes, this is exactly what the issue is. There is an official process laid out by the ICC for such changes and that was not followed. Behind the back of the ICC, the curator and the host nation chose a different pitch for their benefit.

“The ICC independent pitch consultant was apprised of the change”

It’s hilarious that the word “apprised” was used here to make this sentence sound better. Apprised just means told. This sentence means the ICC independent pitch consultant was told of the change - after the change was already made. This ICC statement is just an admission of guilt.

The ultimate issue is of course:
India has dominated the tournament. They most likely would have dominated the tournament even without doing all of these shady behaviors to tilt the scale in their favor. So because of these factors, anyone who makes any criticism will just be told that they’re only angry because their team did not win. But of course, right and wrong does not change just because a team wins a cricket match.

And the longer term issue is that in the near future, BCCI will only continue to grow in power at the expense of other boards. This is largely due to the size of the media market in India - India’s population is like 5 times the size of the rest of the cricketing nations put together. So cricket will continue to move towards a system that is favorable to the BCCI. More snd more aspects of the game will be monetized - particularly aimed at the Indian cricketing audience. Most of the people who have enjoyed the game for a long time will probably just shift towards watching Test cricket or none at all, although this may not matter if new fans who are fascinated with T20 increase viewership. But of course, the empty crowds throughout the entirety of this WC existed for a reason.

Meh all it means is if India play Aus/Eng in a big WC match they might prepare pitches which benefit them.

India have opened a can of worms where the host nation can pick and choose what surfaces they play on.