Controversy has emerged around India’s alleged decision to switch the pitch for the first semi-final match against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in the T20 World Cup without obtaining permission from the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The initial choice was pitch seven, intended to be fresh and unused in the tournament, but it was replaced with pitch six, which had already hosted two matches. The ICC’s pitch consultant, Andy Atkinson, was reportedly notified of an unspecified issue with pitch seven.
This unexpected alteration has raised concerns, particularly regarding the potential manipulation of pitch conditions for the upcoming final at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. In an email to his superiors, Atkinson expressed doubts about the impartiality of the pitch selected for the final.
The move has triggered speculation and discussions about the fairness and transparency of the pitch selection process for the highly anticipated World Cup final. As cricket enthusiasts await the ultimate showdown, the controversy highlights the significance of ensuring integrity and adherence to established protocols in international cricket tournaments.
