India Changing Pitch for Final Match?
- Controversy erupts over pitch preparations for the Cricket World Cup final in Ahmedabad.
- Indian curator Ashish Bhowmick leads pitch preparations, allegedly to favor India’s strengths.
- ICC pitch consultant Andy Atkinson, known for criticizing BCCI’s pitch management, arrives late to oversee the final preparations.
- Despite prior allegations of pitch manipulation, a high-scoring India vs New Zealand semi-final contradicts claims of deliberate slowing of pitches.
The Brewing Controversy in Ahmedabad
As the Cricket World Cup final approaches, a new controversy has taken center stage, (India Changing Pitch for Final Match?) focusing on the pitch preparation at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Indian curator Ashish Bhowmick, along with his team, has been at the forefront of preparing the pitch for the highly anticipated IND vs AUS final. Surprisingly, Bhowmick ordered the use of a heavy roller, a move speculated to slow down the pitch, potentially favoring the Indian team’s strengths.
ICC’s Delayed Oversight
Amidst these developments, ICC’s pitch consultant, Andy Atkinson, who is not favored by the BCCI due to past accusations of pitch alteration, arrived only on the eve of the final. This delayed arrival has raised questions about the ICC’s role in ensuring neutral pitch conditions. Atkinson had previously accused the BCCI of altering the pitch for the India vs New Zealand semi-final, which, contrary to his claims, turned out to be a high-scoring match.
The Impact of Pitch Changes
The use of a heavy roller on the Ahmedabad pitch suggests a potentially slower surface for the final match. Historically, chasing teams have found success at this venue, with Australia being the only exception, winning while batting first against England in the league stage. The highest score recorded at the Narendra Modi Stadium so far in the tournament is 283 runs, achieved in a match between England and New Zealand.
