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

[Nikhil_cric]

If the groundsmen have to operate on the demands of the BCCI to pick a specific pitch and prepare it as they dictate then they are no longer presenting the best possible pitch for the match. They're presenting the best possible pitch that meets BCCIs demands.

Non sequitur argument. If this was the best pitch at the venue - and it clearly was - then perhaps the issue is that the BCCi are simply more competent at producing better pitches in India without any inputs from a clearly incompetent ICC consultant

 

[Falconslions]

There are no rules.

Local curator is "expected" to produce the best pitch possible. EXPECTED. Thats not a rule. Curator is free to produce a good wicket and he did. Game over. Doesn't matter whether used pitch 6 or 7 or 8. Pitch is same for both sides and the team that plays better wins.

there is no guarantee how a pitch might behave anyway. Pitch in 2nd semifinal was predicted to be 300+ wicket by all experts yet it turned out to be low scoring.

The main thing is it's not about pitch. It is about adapting to how the pitch is behaving to the best of your abilities. The team that does that better wins.

 

[HitWicket]

Non sequitur argument. If this was the best pitch at the venue - and it clearly was - then perhaps the issue is that the BCCi are simply more competent at producing better pitches in India without any inputs from a clearly incompetent ICC consultant

In that case why are the venues hiring groundsmen so incompetent that they aren't able to identify the best pitch themselves and need the assistance from administrators at the BCCI?

 

[Nikhil_cric]

In that case why are the venues hiring groundsmen so incompetent that they aren't able to identify the best pitch themselves and need the assistance from administrators at the BCCI?

As if the revamp of pitches in England starting in 2015 did not happen at the behest of ECB itself. We all remember what ODI pitches in England looked like before Morgan and Strauss wanted pitches that aided exuberant strokemaking keeping the 2019 home World Cup in mind.

Also, do you have any answer as to why Atkinson wasn't bothered about the previous surfaces that led to such disparity between 1st innings and 2nd innings scores?

 

[HitWicket]

As if the revamp of pitches in England starting in 2015 did not happen at the behest of ECB itself. We all remember what ODI pitches in England looked like before Morgan and Strauss wanted pitches that aided exuberant strokemaking keeping the 2019 home World Cup in mind.

Also, do you have any answer as to why Atkinson wasn't bothered about the previous surfaces that led to such disparity between 1st innings and 2nd innings scores?

This is not a bilateral series, it's a world event where the home board should have no say in the pitch preparation. It was pretty noteworthy (and mentioned by several commentators) how characteristically different the pitches were in the 2019 world cup those that England had been playing on in bilaterals from 2015-19.

Again, the concern isn't around how the pitches have been playing, it's the influence the BCCI have had over their selection and preparation.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

This is not a bilateral series, it's a world event where the home board should have no say in the pitch preparation. It was pretty noteworthy (and mentioned by several commentators) how characteristically different the pitches were in the 2019 world cup those that England had been playing on in bilaterals from 2015-19.

Again, the concern isn't around how the pitches have been playing, it's the influence the BCCI have had over their selection and preparation.

The only reason the pitches didn't play as per expectation was because the pitches couldn't be prepared because of the inclement weather and that was even acknowledged at the time by the likes of Dobell and matches like NZ v PAK took place on used surfaces

The BCCI and the local curator also altered the plan for match 2/3/4 at Ahmedabad as well. It was not just for with Indian matches. What does the home board gain by selecting a pitch for the ENG v OZ match there?

Also, Atkinson's own concern was that the "used" pitch would favour the home side? Has that happened?

 

[kumjsr]

This is not a bilateral series, it's a world event where the home board should have no say in the pitch preparation. It was pretty noteworthy (and mentioned by several commentators) how characteristically different the pitches were in the 2019 world cup those that England had been playing on in bilaterals from 2015-19.

Again, the concern isn't around how the pitches have been playing, it's the influence the BCCI have had over their selection and preparation.

ICC doesn't prepare pitches in WC.

 

[MenInG]

What will be ICC pitch consultant Andy Atkinson's future was a question floating around as the burly New Zealander was nowhere to be seen during pitch preparation 48 hours ahead of the World Cup final between India and Australia. It is learnt that Atkinson had already left the country as his assignment is already over.

"Andy's assignment is over and he has gone back. Don't try to find controversy where there is none. Nowhere it is written that ICC's pitch consultant need to be present before final," a BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

Atkinson exactly isn't a favourite with BCCI brass after accusing the host nation of changing track for the semi-final between India and New Zealand from a fresh to a used one.

However, the ICC later sent a clarification that there is no such rule of holding knock-out matches on a fresh track and Atkinson was apprised of the development in advance.

On Friday, the two senior BCCI's chief of ground staff Ashish Bhowmick and his second in command Taposh Chatterjee, along with former India seamer and BCCI's GM (Domestic Cricket) Abbey Kuruvilla, closely monitored the pitch preparations for the mega final on Sunday.

It couldn't be confirmed if the track used for the final is a used one or fresh surface but the two senior curators and BCCI GM monitored the use of heavy roller on the designated 22-yard strip. "If heavy roller is being used on a black soil strip then the idea is to create a slow batting track where you can get a big score but you possibly can't consistently hit through the line. 315 could be a defendable score as batting second will be difficult," a state association curator explained.

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma along with first team regulars KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja had an extensive net session, with reserve players Ishan Kishan, Ravichandran Ashwin and Prasidh Krishna for company.

As it has been the custom, Rohit and Dravid spent a considerable amount of time looking at the track and also had extensive discussions with Bhowmick and Chatterjee.

NDTV

 

[OMB]

What will be ICC pitch consultant Andy Atkinson's future was a question floating around as the burly New Zealander was nowhere to be seen during pitch preparation 48 hours ahead of the World Cup final between India and Australia. It is learnt that Atkinson had already left the country as his assignment is already over.

"Andy's assignment is over and he has gone back. Don't try to find controversy where there is none. Nowhere it is written that ICC's pitch consultant need to be present before final," a BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

Atkinson exactly isn't a favourite with BCCI brass after accusing the host nation of changing track for the semi-final between India and New Zealand from a fresh to a used one.

However, the ICC later sent a clarification that there is no such rule of holding knock-out matches on a fresh track and Atkinson was apprised of the development in advance.

On Friday, the two senior BCCI's chief of ground staff Ashish Bhowmick and his second in command Taposh Chatterjee, along with former India seamer and BCCI's GM (Domestic Cricket) Abbey Kuruvilla, closely monitored the pitch preparations for the mega final on Sunday.

It couldn't be confirmed if the track used for the final is a used one or fresh surface but the two senior curators and BCCI GM monitored the use of heavy roller on the designated 22-yard strip. "If heavy roller is being used on a black soil strip then the idea is to create a slow batting track where you can get a big score but you possibly can't consistently hit through the line. 315 could be a defendable score as batting second will be difficult," a state association curator explained.

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma along with first team regulars KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja had an extensive net session, with reserve players Ishan Kishan, Ravichandran Ashwin and Prasidh Krishna for company.

As it has been the custom, Rohit and Dravid spent a considerable amount of time looking at the track and also had extensive discussions with Bhowmick and Chatterjee.

NDTV

Clearly mountain out of a molehill
There is nothing to hunt here, no bear.

 

[HitWicket]

The only reason the pitches didn't play as per expectation was because the pitches couldn't be prepared because of the inclement weather and that was even acknowledged at the time by the likes of Dobell and matches like NZ v PAK took place on used surfaces

The BCCI and the local curator also altered the plan for match 2/3/4 at Ahmedabad as well. It was not just for with Indian matches. What does the home board gain by selecting a pitch for the ENG v OZ match there?

Also, Atkinson's own concern was that the "used" pitch would favour the home side? Has that happened?

There was literally a heat wave during the 2019 world cup with the pitches still being uncharacteristically slow by the end of the tournament.

I'm not sure if you're not reading my posts or something so I'll repeat again, my issue is not with the pitches that were produced. My issue is that the BCCI should have absolutely no influence over the pitch selection or preparation.

 

[HitWicket]

ICC doesn't prepare pitches in WC.

I've never suggested they do.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

There was literally a heat wave during the 2019 world cup with the pitches still being uncharacteristically slow by the end of the tournament.

I'm not sure if you're not reading my posts or something so I'll repeat again, my issue is not with the pitches that were produced. My issue is that the BCCI should have absolutely no influence over the pitch selection or preparation.

Does any playing condition set by the ICC deny the home board from creating a favourable pitch ?

If you are aware of it, feel free to share the relevant rule.

Secondly, you have to be incredibly naive to think World Cup pitches have not been influenced in the past by home boards.

If ICC truly want neutral pitches , then they should hire curators from everywhere except the host nation and prepare pitches for the World Cup

 

[kumjsr]

I've never suggested they do.

Then what do you think who prepares the pitch?

 

[HitWicket]

Does any playing condition set by the ICC deny the home board from creating a favourable pitch ?

If you are aware of it, feel free to share the relevant rule.

Secondly, you have to be incredibly naive to think World Cup pitches have not been influenced in the past by home boards.

If ICC truly want neutral pitches , then they should hire curators from everywhere except the host nation and prepare pitches for the World Cup

As we've already covered the groundsman has to prepare the best possible pitch they can, something they can't do if the pitch also needs to meet the demands of the BCCI.

 

[HitWicket]

Then what do you think who prepares the pitch?

The local groundsmen.

 

[kumjsr]

The local groundsmen.

Are local groundsmen not employees of the state association?

 

[Amjid Javed]

 

[FearlessRoar]

Another allegation has emerged from Pakistan during the ICC World Cup 2023, with former fast bowler Aaqib Javed claiming that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has manipulated the toss in favor of Team India in every match they have played so far.

Javed, who represented Pakistan in 22 Tests and 163 ODIs, has also accused India captain Rohit Sharma of engaging in unfair tactics during India's semi-final clash against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Wednesday.

At his home ground, Rohit won the toss and chose to bat first on a slow surface without any hesitation.

India went on to score a massive 397 for 4 in 50 overs, thanks to centuries from Virat Kohli (117) and Shreyas Iyer (105). They then bowled out the Black Caps for 327, with Mohammed Shami achieving a career-best 7-wicket haul.

After the match, Javed made some outlandish accusations against the Indian team and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) during an interview on a local Pakistani TV channel. He also addressed the pitch controversy that arose when foreign media reported that the playing surface at Wankhede Stadium was altered just before the first semi-final to favor the home team.

"The captains are invovled in the toss but if they both can't see it then it becomes the match referee's toss. Why do you bring the captains in the middle.

"The coin is tossed, not thrown. And he always does it. Williamson couldn't see the toss, so what was he doing there?

"Rohit Sharma throws the coin and does not toss it properly! What's the point of a toss when the opposition captain doesn't see the side of the coin?" Javed said.

"BCCI is controlling cricket and ICC does not speak in front of them. This World Cup is planned, India will win it and India's win in the 2011 World Cup final was also controversial. The used pitch is also another controversial decision by BCCI," Javed added.

Former Pakistani cricketers, such as Aaqib Javed and Hasan Raza, have repeatedly accused India and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of engaging in unfair practices during the World Cup. These allegations range from Indian bowlers using different balls to gain an advantage in swing, to the BCCI manipulating the Decision Review System (DRS).

It is important to note that these claims made by Pakistanis are not only bizarre but also outrageous. It seems that these accusations stem from their disappointment in their own players and team, who failed to progress beyond the semi-finals due to underwhelming performances from Babar Azam & Co.

The state of Pakistan cricket itself is currently in turmoil, as evidenced by Babar Azam's decision to step down as captain in all three formats. Furthermore, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) took drastic action by dismissing the entire selection committee following the team's disappointing performance in the World Cup.

Source : DNA India

 

[Ahmed216]

View attachment 139207

There's nothing new in this. BCCI has been misusing its powers for 2 decades now.
It started with unofficial test against SA around 2002 after sachin was caught running his finger down the seam of the ball.

 

[RahulBose]

India vs NZ was a great pitch. India bowled NZ out with max wickets taken by a pacer. If NZ bowlers are so bad, is it India's fault?

 

[RahulBose]

Are local groundsmen not employees of the state association?

I am quite sure they are. Everyone who works , works for somebody. Whats the point. Should India hire somebody abroad to come here and prepare pitches? Who prepared 2019 WC pitches, somebody from Eng. As was the case in 2015.

I just don't get the point of this. Actually, I do get it. Raise a hell mary because you can't compete so destroy their reputation.

 

[IndoorCricket]

Another allegation has emerged from Pakistan during the ICC World Cup 2023, with former fast bowler Aaqib Javed claiming that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has manipulated the toss in favor of Team India in every match they have played so far.

Javed, who represented Pakistan in 22 Tests and 163 ODIs, has also accused India captain Rohit Sharma of engaging in unfair tactics during India's semi-final clash against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Wednesday.

At his home ground, Rohit won the toss and chose to bat first on a slow surface without any hesitation.

India went on to score a massive 397 for 4 in 50 overs, thanks to centuries from Virat Kohli (117) and Shreyas Iyer (105). They then bowled out the Black Caps for 327, with Mohammed Shami achieving a career-best 7-wicket haul.

After the match, Javed made some outlandish accusations against the Indian team and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) during an interview on a local Pakistani TV channel. He also addressed the pitch controversy that arose when foreign media reported that the playing surface at Wankhede Stadium was altered just before the first semi-final to favor the home team.

"The captains are invovled in the toss but if they both can't see it then it becomes the match referee's toss. Why do you bring the captains in the middle.

"The coin is tossed, not thrown. And he always does it. Williamson couldn't see the toss, so what was he doing there?

"Rohit Sharma throws the coin and does not toss it properly! What's the point of a toss when the opposition captain doesn't see the side of the coin?" Javed said.

"BCCI is controlling cricket and ICC does not speak in front of them. This World Cup is planned, India will win it and India's win in the 2011 World Cup final was also controversial. The used pitch is also another controversial decision by BCCI," Javed added.

Former Pakistani cricketers, such as Aaqib Javed and Hasan Raza, have repeatedly accused India and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of engaging in unfair practices during the World Cup. These allegations range from Indian bowlers using different balls to gain an advantage in swing, to the BCCI manipulating the Decision Review System (DRS).

It is important to note that these claims made by Pakistanis are not only bizarre but also outrageous. It seems that these accusations stem from their disappointment in their own players and team, who failed to progress beyond the semi-finals due to underwhelming performances from Babar Azam & Co.

The state of Pakistan cricket itself is currently in turmoil, as evidenced by Babar Azam's decision to step down as captain in all three formats. Furthermore, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) took drastic action by dismissing the entire selection committee following the team's disappointing performance in the World Cup.

Source : DNA India

The number of delusional cricketers from Pakistan is astonishing.

 

[RahulBose]

There's nothing new in this. BCCI has been misusing its powers for 2 decades now.
It started with unofficial test against SA around 2002 after sachin was caught running his finger down the seam of the ball.

Do you guys ever need proof or what?

 

[HitWicket]

Are local groundsmen not employees of the state association?

Yes, that still doesn't mean the BCCI should be having a say on the pitch selection and preparation for a world event. The groundman has been hired presumably because he's good at his job. Let him prepare the best pitch he can (as he is required to) without interference.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Before the Final against India Mitchell Starc gave remarks in an Interview regarding pitch:

Q: Your batsman had a tough time against the South African spinners tonight. Is that a concern ahead of the final?

A: I guess we'll find out when we get to Ahmedabad tomorrow and see if it's a fresh wicket or an old wicket.

 

[kumjsr]

Yes, that still doesn't mean the BCCI should be having a say on the pitch selection and preparation for a world event. The groundman has been hired presumably because he's good at his job. Let him prepare the best pitch he can (as he is required to) without interference.

Groundsmen are employees and other people are also employees of the state association.

When you say that there shouldn't be any interference, what do you mean? One set of employees not talking to other set at all? No one reviewing the progress? No one talking about requirements, supply of material, labor, budget, bill clearance?

Board and groundsmen are not independent of each other.

 

[HitWicket]

Groundsmen are employees and other people are also employees of the state association.

When you say that there shouldn't be any interference, what do you mean? One set of employees not talking to other set at all? No one reviewing the progress? No one talking about requirements, supply of material, labor, budget, bill clearance?

Board and groundsmen are not independent of each other.

The BCCI should not be going to the groundsman and telling them what pitch they want used or what characteristics they want it to display. Simple as that. The groundsman should have the sole authority on how the pitch is prepared to be the best pitch they can provide. If it's not up to standard the ICC rating for it will show that.

 

[kumjsr]

The BCCI should not be going to the groundsman and telling them what pitch they want used or what characteristics they want it to display. Simple as that. The groundsman should have the sole authority on how the pitch is prepared to be the best pitch they can provide. If it's not up to standard the ICC rating for it will show that.

Groundsmen are themselves representatives of Boards.

 

[HitWicket]

Groundsmen are themselves representatives of Boards.

They're employees of their state board, that doesn't mean the BCCI should have any influence over the specific pitch they prepare.

 

[Buffet]

Seems like a tabloid news to me.

I have not seen any evidence of pitch favoring Indians so far.

Also, many pitches were switched to produce fair match in the same competition and no one raised any issue with that.

NZ-India Semi pitch was actually very good pitch for ODI.

Great job by curator to pick that pitch.

Seems like a noise.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

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.

No issues with this whatsoever. And it's not like host nations have not done that in the past either.

They're employees of their state board, that doesn't mean the BCCI should have any influence over the specific pitch they prepare.

There is no regulation that prevents this. The curator makes the pitch. If the pitch is good enough, then it's good enough

 

[cricketjoshila]

Seems like a tabloid news to me.

I have not seen any evidence of pitch favoring Indians so far.

Also, many pitches were switched to produce fair match in the same competition and no one raised any issue with that.

NZ-India Semi pitch was actually very good pitch for ODI.

Great job by curator to pick that pitch.

Seems like a noise.

Noise because of obvious reasons.

 

[HitWicket]

There is no regulation that prevents this. The curator makes the pitch. If the pitch is good enough, then it's good enough

As we've already covered, a groundsman has to prepare the best pitch they can. If they have to prepare a pitch that is on the strip selected by the BCCI and has to meet their conditions then they are no longer meeting that requirement.

 

[cricketjoshila]

As we've already covered, a groundsman has to prepare the best pitch they can. If they have to prepare a pitch that is on the strip selected by the BCCI and has to meet their conditions then they are no longer meeting that requirement.

Who said?

What was the problem with the strip in Mumbai?

Ex players have praised the pitch as being very fair m

 

[HitWicket]

Who said?

What was the problem with the strip in Mumbai?

Ex players have praised the pitch as being very fair m

Yet again and as I've already said multiple times, I have no issue with a specific pitch. I have an issue if the BCCI are instructing the groundsmen on which pitch to use and how they want it prepped at a world event.

 

[hassan918]

ICC Consultant Who Accused 'Pitch Swapping' To Oversee Preparations For Final: Report​

Earlier, news agency PTI had reported that ICC pitch consultant Andy Atkinson had left India ahead of the Cricket World Cup final

What will be ICC pitch consultant Andy Atkinson's future was a question floating around as the burly New Zealander was nowhere to be seen during pitch preparation 48 hours ahead of the World Cup final between India and Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. It has been learnt that Atkinson has arrived in Ahmedabad Friday afternoon and he will join the preparations tomorrow. This comes after news agency PTI had reported that Atkinson had left India ahead of the final.

"Andy hasn't gone back home. He has come with ICC delegation today afternoon and hence didn't come to the ground. He will be available tomorrow to check on the preparation of the track," an ICC source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

Atkinson isn't exactly a favourite with the BCCI brass after he accused the host nation of changing track for the semi-final between India and New Zealand from a fresh to a used one.

However, the ICC later sent a clarification that there is no such rule of holding knock-out matches on a fresh track and Atkinson was apprised of the development in advance.

On Friday, the two senior BCCI's chief of ground staff Ashish Bhowmick and his second in command Taposh Chatterjee, along with former India seamer and BCCI's GM (Domestic Cricket) Abbey Kuruvilla, closely monitored the pitch preparations for the mega final on Sunday.

It couldn't be confirmed if the track to be used for the final is a used one or a fresh surface. But the two senior curators and BCCI GM monitored the use of heavy roller on the designated 22-yard strip. "If heavy roller is being used on a black soil strip then the idea is to create a slow batting track where you can get a big score but you possibly can't consistently hit through the line. 315 could be a defendable score as batting second will be difficult," a state association curator explained.

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, along with first team regulars KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja, had an extensive net session, with reserve players Ishan Kishan, Ravichandran Ashwin and Prasidh Krishna for company.

As has been the custom, Rohit and Dravid spent a considerable amount of time looking at the track and also had extensive discussions with Bhowmick and Chatterjee.

Source: NDTV

 

[hassan918]

Whoever is making the pitch needs to make sure that it doesn't favor any of the teams. There should be an even assistance for the players from both sides.

 

[topspin]

I have never seen a “slow” pitch play like this. Where is the slowness?

Slow pitch is what Pakistan got against England in the 2017 CT semifinal. Now that is what you call blatant cheating.

It was carefully designed to favor Pakistan and boost the chances of a Pakistan vs India final $$$$

Another example is the Pakistan v New Zealand Semi-Final in last year's WT20.

 

[deltexas]

Empty vessels make more noise. Aaqib and Hassan Raza are delusional cricketers with sour grapes making outlandish comments to garner eyeballs. You focus too much on the pitch and lose focus. Well for the 1987 sf games both ind and pak had slow wickets which were supposedly favouring ind and pak. Well gues what in the pak-aus game, aus used their slower medium Pacers to bowl slower balls and cutters and blunted pak chase. In the Ind-eng game the pitch was supposed to favor spinner maninder singh but Graham gooch swept away ind spinners and put brakes on ind chase as well. More recently the famous 96 sf fiasco at kolkata end-all game where azhar famously bowled first and it ended in a disaster.

As steve Waugh used to say - and no wonder aus were the atg champion team from 99-07. a toss is just a way to start the game and the pitch is "same" for both teams. Rest all is garbage. Waugh and aus never complained on the 2001 series and on the toss or pitch anytime. On 99 aus lost tosses in both sf and final.and still won.

Afaik- the teams have to be informed by a certain time what pitch is being used. "Both" teams have the chance to see the pitch evaluate it and then decide on team combinations and what to do.if they win toss..

 

[cricketjoshila]

Yet again and as I've already said multiple times, I have no issue with a specific pitch. I have an issue if the BCCI are instructing the groundsmen on which pitch to use and how they want it prepped at a world event.

If. A big IF.

The groundsman has prepared excellent pitches. So there should be no issue regardless of how he prepared the pitch.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Another point to be considered.

Let's assume that Atkinson was indeed unhappy with the use of a used pitch instead of a fresh pitch.

How fair is that a Newzealander interferes and asks for a pitch that may help Newzealand?

 

[RahulBose]

Before the Final against India Mitchell Starc gave remarks in an Interview regarding pitch:

Q: Your batsman had a tough time against the South African spinners tonight. Is that a concern ahead of the final?

A: I guess we'll find out when we get to Ahmedabad tomorrow and see if it's a fresh wicket or an old wicket.

For all the past glory Aus cricketers have had, they will always be a bunch of cry babies. Never understand this whining they do when things are stacked against them.

 

[RahulBose]

Whoever is making the pitch needs to make sure that it doesn't favor any of the teams. There should be an even assistance for the players from both sides.

Like Eng and Aus teams do when they prepare pitches which also aid in spin when India played in WCs there?

 

[happydavy]

As per the ICC's 'playing conditions for 2023 world cup' document, the pitch section seems quite clear -
6.3 Selection and preparation
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.

I guess there is difference between immoral act and illegal act. I for one feel that BCCI is going overboard to prepare pitches as per India's demand and that too so brazenly but may be it's not illegal.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

As we've already covered, a groundsman has to prepare the best pitch they can. If they have to prepare a pitch that is on the strip selected by the BCCI and has to meet their conditions then they are no longer meeting that requirement.

That is simply your interpretation of it. Even the evidence of the actual match suggests that it was the best surface at the venue.

 

[happydavy]

Like Eng and Aus teams do when they prepare pitches which also aid in spin when India played in WCs there?

Whether pace friendly or spin friendly isn't the question, the question is changing the pitch characteristics for one game to give undue advantage to a particular team. Perth is always bouncy, Sydney is always spin friendly and Adelaide is always good for batting. That's the nature of those pitches. Now when Australia played semis against India in 2015, they didn't change the very character of Sydney pitch to make it seamer friendly in order to gain advantage over India. No board does that as how bcci does it that is too make the pitch for every match as per the opposition weakness.

 

[Devadwal]

Whether pace friendly or spin friendly isn't the question, the question is changing the pitch characteristics for one game to give undue advantage to a particular team. Perth is always bouncy, Sydney is always spin friendly and Adelaide is always good for batting. That's the nature of those pitches. Now when Australia played semis against India in 2015, they didn't change the very character of Sydney pitch to make it seamer friendly in order to gain advantage over India. No board does that as how bcci does it that is too make the pitch for every match as per the opposition weakness.

Wankhede pitch is always batting friendly and Semifinals we witnessed where more than 720 runs scored suggest same things. So all the pitch talk were rubbish .

 

[Ahmed216]

Before the Final against India Mitchell Starc gave remarks in an Interview regarding pitch:

Q: Your batsman had a tough time against the South African spinners tonight. Is that a concern ahead of the final?

A: I guess we'll find out when we get to Ahmedabad tomorrow and see if it's a fresh wicket or an old wicket.

Starc has nothing to lose because he puts his country above the IPL

 

[Advaith]

Another point to be considered.

Let's assume that Atkinson was indeed unhappy with the use of a used pitch instead of a fresh pitch.

How fair is that a Newzealander interferes and asks for a pitch that may help Newzealand?

Why he wasn't unhappy for other matches when groundman changed pitches ??
Groundsman doesn't want to take risk with new pitches , especially when he is confident of his used pitch to play good..If fresh pitch behaves unevenly than ICC won't impose ban on itself but the pitch and stadium..

 

[Devadwal]

Here we go again .Australia captain Pat Cummins has raised concerns about the pitch for Sunday’s World Cup final in Ahmedabad

--------------------------------------

Fever pitch: Australia to wait on wicket before selecting Cup final team

Australia captain Pat Cummins has raised concerns about the pitch for Sunday’s World Cup final in Ahmedabad as his side prepare to chase a sixth title against overwhelming favourites India.

Inspecting the wicket on Saturday morning, Cummins made his feelings clear to ground staff about both ends of the strip, where India’s world-class spinners will be operating. Curators began rolling the pitch following their conversation.

Cummins played a straight bat when later asked about the surface, saying it had been used for a previous match. He said Australia would wait to see how the wicket presented on game day before selecting their team.

“I’m not a great pitch reader, but it looks pretty firm,” Cummins said. “It’s only just been watered, so we’ll give it 24 hours to have another look. But it looks like pretty good.”

There was controversy before Wednesday’s semi-final between India and New Zealand in Mumbai when the Daily Mail reported a leaked email from the International Cricket Council’s independent pitch consultant Andy Atkinson claiming direct interference in pitch selection.

The ICC subsequently confirmed to this masthead that the pitch had been changed by the local curator, adding it was not unusual for that to happen in such a long tournament.

The state of the pitch will have a key bearing on team selection, with Marnus Labuschagne preferred to Marcus Stoinis in Kolkata where the pitch suggested runs would be at a premium – which was proved correct.

However, if the Ahmedabad pitch presents as firm and flat after its final preparation, the occasional seam bowling and hard-hitting lower-order batting of Stoinis becomes a more attractive option.

A spinning pitch means Australia will be able to use the part-time off-spin of Travis Head alongside Adam Zampa and Glenn Maxwell. Head claimed wickets with successive deliveries against South Africa, finishing with 2-21 from five overs.

“The coaches and selectors will assess the wicket, so they’ll come down tonight, have a look and pick a team,” said Cummins, who said the Australians have a full squad of 15 to chose from again after going through much of the tournament carrying injuries.

India’s spinners are no strangers to the Australians, having faced them in a four-Test series earlier this year on mostly big-spinning pitches, and again during a three-match one-day series leading into this World Cup.

Australia played their first match of this tournament against India and were bowled out for 199, losing six wickets to spinners. Ravi Jadeja in particular was unplayable at times, claiming 3-28 from 10 overs.

“I don’t think we scored par, but we were potentially one catch away from being in front in that game,” Cummins said. Australia reduced India to 3-2 and dropped Virat Kohli early in his innings. He made 85.

Fever pitch: Australia to wait on wicket before selecting Cup final team

Australia are still attempting to unravel the mysteries of the Ahmedabad pitch for Sunday’s World Cup final before making a call between Marnus Labuschagne and Marcus Stoinis.

www.theage.com.au

 

[Nikhil_cric]

So, the final is going to happen on a pitch that was recommended by Atkinson after all - IND v PAK

Regardless , it'll play well and fairly for both sides just like the semis.

We produce the best and most diverse ODI pitches after all

 

[Thanos]

BCCI must have swapped the original trophy with a replica by now.
Aussies will get replica in case they win and the original will stay in India irrespective of the result.

 

[FearlessRoar]

BCCI must have swapped the original trophy with a replica by now.
Aussies will get replica in case they win and the original will stay in India irrespective of the result.

Bro it doesn't make any sense

 

[OMB]

BCCI must have swapped the original trophy with a replica by now.
Aussies will get replica in case they win and the original will stay in India irrespective of the result.

What use is that lol?

 

[OMB]

So, the final is going to happen on a pitch that was recommended by Atkinson after all - IND v PAK

Regardless , it'll play well and fairly for both sides just like the semis.

We produce the best and most diverse ODI pitches after all

Right.
it will be fair as can be.
I have never ever heard anyone uttering “VisitorAdvantage” so it would be futile to create one now just to please a section of the crowd.

 

[OMB]

He is a big fan of indian pitches

 

[Thanos]

Bro it doesn't make any sense

What use is that lol?

BCCI has been accused of different balls, manipulated DRS, swapped pitches, IPL contracts influence and whatnot.
Some even said that BCCI has already bought the WC 23. (And Indians like me here shivering that Aussies are going to thrash Ind in final. lol)

I am just giving one more point to members of conspiracy theory association. It makes as much sense as the remaining ones.

 

[ex-q-zit]

BCCI must have swapped the original trophy with a replica by now.
Aussies will get replica in case they win and the original will stay in India irrespective of the result.

I thought usually the original is held with ICC and only replica is given to winning team.

 

[ex-q-zit]

Another allegation has emerged from Pakistan during the ICC World Cup 2023, with former fast bowler Aaqib Javed claiming that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has manipulated the toss in favor of Team India in every match they have played so far.

Javed, who represented Pakistan in 22 Tests and 163 ODIs, has also accused India captain Rohit Sharma of engaging in unfair tactics during India's semi-final clash against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Wednesday.

At his home ground, Rohit won the toss and chose to bat first on a slow surface without any hesitation.

India went on to score a massive 397 for 4 in 50 overs, thanks to centuries from Virat Kohli (117) and Shreyas Iyer (105). They then bowled out the Black Caps for 327, with Mohammed Shami achieving a career-best 7-wicket haul.

After the match, Javed made some outlandish accusations against the Indian team and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) during an interview on a local Pakistani TV channel. He also addressed the pitch controversy that arose when foreign media reported that the playing surface at Wankhede Stadium was altered just before the first semi-final to favor the home team.

"The captains are invovled in the toss but if they both can't see it then it becomes the match referee's toss. Why do you bring the captains in the middle.

"The coin is tossed, not thrown. And he always does it. Williamson couldn't see the toss, so what was he doing there?

"Rohit Sharma throws the coin and does not toss it properly! What's the point of a toss when the opposition captain doesn't see the side of the coin?" Javed said.

"BCCI is controlling cricket and ICC does not speak in front of them. This World Cup is planned, India will win it and India's win in the 2011 World Cup final was also controversial. The used pitch is also another controversial decision by BCCI," Javed added.

Former Pakistani cricketers, such as Aaqib Javed and Hasan Raza, have repeatedly accused India and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of engaging in unfair practices during the World Cup. These allegations range from Indian bowlers using different balls to gain an advantage in swing, to the BCCI manipulating the Decision Review System (DRS).

It is important to note that these claims made by Pakistanis are not only bizarre but also outrageous. It seems that these accusations stem from their disappointment in their own players and team, who failed to progress beyond the semi-finals due to underwhelming performances from Babar Azam & Co.

The state of Pakistan cricket itself is currently in turmoil, as evidenced by Babar Azam's decision to step down as captain in all three formats. Furthermore, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) took drastic action by dismissing the entire selection committee following the team's disappointing performance in the World Cup.

Source : DNA India

How come Aqib Javed was silent when India lost toss in:

2015 WC SF
2016 t20 WC SF
2019 WC SF
2021 t20 matches against PAK and NZ
2022 t20 WC SF

India only won 1 important toss in the previous 5 ICC WCs and toss is fabricated to make India win the toss. Its surprising a WC winning cricketer like Aqib Javed makes such allegations. So what about all the previous important matches that India lost the toss?

Such wild allegations only makes him and also his country seem like laughing stock.

 

[Thanos]

I thought usually the original is held with ICC and only replica is given to winning team.

You just ruined it. Lol

 

[ex-q-zit]

"Pitch From India vs Pakistan...": Rohit Sharma On Playing Cricket World Cup 2023 Final On 'Used' Track.

Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma had a clear answer about playing the Cricket World Cup 2023 final against Australia on a 'used' pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. The pitch which will be used for the summit clash was last used during India's game against Pakistan - a match that the Rohit Sharma-led side won comprehensively.

During the pre-match press conference, Rohit was asked about the surface and he answered that although the pitch was 'a lot drier' against Pakistan, it now has a bit of grass. However, he was quick to point out that the toss will not play a major role in the match.

"There's a bit of grass on the track. The wicket from India vs Pakistan was a lot drier. From my understanding, it's going to be on a slower side. We'll see the pitch tomorrow and assess. The temperature has dropped a bit as well. I don't know how much of a factor the dew will be. I don't think the toss will play a big role," Rohit said at the pre-match press conference on Saturday.

The pitches have come under the scanner during the ongoing Cricket World Cup 2023 with some media reports claiming that major games are being played on 'used' pitches in order to give an advantage to the Indian spinners. Earlier, Australia skipper Pat Cummins also had his say about the surface.

"Again, I'm not a great pitch reader, but it looked pretty firm. They've only just watered it, so yeah, give it another 24 hours and have a look, but it looks like a pretty good wicket. Yes, it has been used before. Pakistan played someone (India on October 14) there," Cummins said at a pre-match press conference.

With around 1,30,000 fans expected to be present at the stadium for the final, Cummins insisted is not worried about a partisan crowd and said that his team would love to stun the home fans.

"It's going to be awesome. They have been playing some good cricket, undefeated so far. But we know we can give them a good shake, having played them a lot during the last two years with success," he added.

NDTV

 

[7sins]

Wait for India to use full home advantage and I'm 100% sure it will have alot of turn for the spinners. Ashwin can comeinto the team that's what I think

 

[zzebie]

For some of these ex players, seems the only way a game will be deemed fair is if India loses the game.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

How come Aqib Javed was silent when India lost toss in:

2015 WC SF
2016 t20 WC SF
2019 WC SF
2021 t20 matches against PAK and NZ
2022 t20 WC SF

India only won 1 important toss in the previous 5 ICC WCs and toss is fabricated to make India win the toss. Its surprising a WC winning cricketer like Aqib Javed makes such allegations. So what about all the previous important matches that India lost the toss?

Such wild allegations only makes him and also his country seem like laughing stock.

Yep. Except for CT final, we had lost every KO toss and we bungled CT final by playing 2 spinners and opting to chase.

Even 2014 World T20 final toss was won by SL.

 

[Snowflake]

So, the final is going to happen on a pitch that was recommended by Atkinson after all - IND v PAK

Regardless , it'll play well and fairly for both sides just like the semis.

We produce the best and most diverse ODI pitches after all

Didn’t Atkinson assign a fresh pitch for the semi and the final?
I thought that was the whole point.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Didn’t Atkinson assign a fresh pitch for the semi and the final?
I thought that was the whole point.

Not quite. His concern was that the Wankhede surface that was used for the semis was already used twice in the league stage and hence would be a slow wicket favouring the home side's spinners.

He then recommended using this strip in Ahmedabad for the final which had been used in the IND v PAK game.

 

[cogent]

ICC World Cup pitch consultant Andy Atkinson returns back before India-Australia finals as BCCI takes over
ICC pitch consultant Andy Atkinson returns back home 48 hours before the title clash between India and Australia. Atkinson was nowhere to be seen during pitch preparation 48 hours ahead of the World Cup final between India and Australia.

 

[cogent]

Why would the chief pitch consultant leave 2 days before the WC?

 

[Hitman]

ICC World Cup pitch consultant Andy Atkinson returns back before India-Australia finals as BCCI takes over
ICC pitch consultant Andy Atkinson returns back home 48 hours before the title clash between India and Australia. Atkinson was nowhere to be seen during pitch preparation 48 hours ahead of the World Cup final between India and Australia.

"Andy's assignment is over and he has gone back. Don't try to find controversy where there is none. Nowhere it is written that ICC's pitch consultant needs to be present before the final," a BCCI source told PTI.

 

[Ahmed216]

ICC World Cup pitch consultant Andy Atkinson returns back before India-Australia finals as BCCI takes over
ICC pitch consultant Andy Atkinson returns back home 48 hours before the title clash between India and Australia. Atkinson was nowhere to be seen during pitch preparation 48 hours ahead of the World Cup final between India and Australia.

Probably trying to save his job

 

[cogent]

"Andy's assignment is over and he has gone back. Don't try to find controversy where there is none. Nowhere it is written that ICC's pitch consultant needs to be present before the final," a BCCI source told PTI.

come one that sounds even worse coming from BCCI. How is job over 2 days before the toss?

 

[Kianig89]

Cummins taking pic of pitch also doesnot help BCCI cause

 

[cogent]

First report came which stated that Atkinson left 48 hours before the final
And BCCI source stated that Andy's assignment is over so he left home

Second report stated Andy wasn't at the ground because he came today with ICC delegation
Andy hasn't gone back home. He has come with ICC delegation today afternoon and hence didn't come to the ground. He will be available tomorrow to check on the preparation of the track," an ICC source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

Then who was actually monitoring the preparation of the pitch then?

On Friday, the two senior BCCI's chief of ground staff Ashish Bhowmick and his second in command Taposh Chatterjee, along with former India seamer and BCCI's GM (Domestic Cricket) Abbey Kuruvilla, closely monitored the pitch preparations for the mega final on Sunday.

 

[Ahmed216]

Cummins taking pic of pitch also doesnot help BCCI cause

BCCI doesn't care because Indian fans don't want to listen to any of this

 

[Nikhil_cric]

According to the ICC's own pitch ratings, the strips used for PAK vs BD, IND v OZ, IND v ENG and IND v PAK were all "Average" surfaces .

On the other hand , the SF pitch was used in ENG v SA and was given a "Very Good".

Very interesting that Atkinson didn't want to play on a highly rated surface because it was "used" but wanted to play the final on a strip that was rated "Average".

Looks like ICC's own consultant doesn't agree with ICC ratings.

 

[rhony]

Wait for India to use full home advantage and I'm 100% sure it will have alot of turn for the spinners. Ashwin can comeinto the team that's what I think

So? It swings in England, it bounces in Australia and it spins in India. What's the big deal about it? The team which quits complaining and plays the conditions best will win. I didn't see Indians complaining about bouncy tracks in Australia or green tracks in England.

 

[MenInG]

Ricky Ponting "It was very, very sub-continental conditions today. A wicket preparation that has probably ended up backfiring on India to be totally fair"

 

[Ahmed216]

Ricky Ponting "It was very, very sub-continental conditions today. A wicket preparation that has probably ended up backfiring on India to be totally fair"

Exactly what happened

 

[Leeon1994]

Thankfully Cummin took pictures this time

 

[Cricket Warrior]

This time Australia read the pitch well and executed their plans accordingly, which India couldn't do better and paid the price.