Indian Cricket Board lashes out at reports of pitch allegations raised on Wankhede 'pitch switch'

Controversy surrounds the Wankhede Stadium as the first semifinal of the ODI World Cup 2023 approaches, with the Indian Cricket Board (ICB) facing allegations of rule violations and unauthorized pitch modifications. The Daily Mail reported that the ICB altered the pitch without the approval of the Apex Cricket Council (ACC), sparking concerns about the potential impact on the match outcome.

The preparation of Pitch for ACC events usually involves collaboration between the governing body's consultant and the host board, but the ICB is accused of bypassing this protocol. The specific accusation involves the decision to shift from the agreed-upon surface, No. 7, to pitch No. 6, which hosted two previous matches. Despite refuting wrongdoing, the ICB faces scrutiny as cricket enthusiasts await the high-stakes clash between India and New Zealand.

"The 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," a spokesperson for the ICB said as quoted by The Daily Mail. 

ACC has also sent various experts to several venues in World Cup 2023

Controversy engulfs Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium ahead of the ODI World Cup 2023 semifinal between India and New Zealand, as ICB is accused of rule violations and unauthorized pitch changes. The Daily Mail reports that the ICB altered the pitch (No. 7 to No. 6) without the ACC approval, raising concerns about the match's fairness.

The pitch preparation process, typically collaborative between the governing body's consultant and the host board, is allegedly bypassed by the ICB. Despite refutations, questions linger about the potential impact of the crucial encounter, intensifying the spotlight on the controversy surrounding the ongoing World Cup.

“The BCCI local curators have formed a local organizing group to look after pitches across the country during the World Cup. The International Cricket Board also sent its experts to various venues for each game,” the Indian Express reported.