In the recently concluded ODI World Cup 2023, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) found itself under intense scrutiny due to the alleged manipulation of pitches during Indian matches. Cricket experts and pundits criticized the BCCI and pitch curators for tailoring pitches to exploit the weaknesses of specific opponents. The controversy reached its peak when the International Cricket Council (ICC) delivered its verdict on the pitches used throughout the tournament.
ICC match officials evaluated a total of seven pitches, and the results were less than favorable for the BCCI. Five of the pitches, including the one used in the final match between India and Australia, received an “average” rating. The final’s pitch rating was provided by ICC match referee and former Zimbabwe batsman, Andy Pycroft.
The Wankhede Stadium pitch, where India faced New Zealand in the semifinals, received a ‘good’ rating. Leading up to this crucial match, there were media reports suggesting that the host nation had switched the pitch, presenting a used surface instead of a fresh one.
Another pitch that drew attention was the one at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, which hosted the second semifinal between Australia and South Africa. The ICC deemed this pitch ‘average.’ The match played on this surface was low-scoring, with Australia dismissing South Africa for 212 in 49.4 overs. Australia, in turn, managed to chase the target in 47.2 overs, losing seven wickets.
Despite the controversy surrounding the pitches, ICC match referee and former Indian pacer Javagal Srinath gave a “very good” rating to the outfield at Eden Gardens.
The allegations of pitch manipulation have sparked a broader conversation about the ethics of curating pitches to favor the home team. The ICC’s verdict will undoubtedly fuel discussions on the need for more standardized pitch conditions in international cricket tournaments, with fans and experts alike demanding a fair and level playing field for all teams.
