The International Cricket Council (ICC) pitch consultant, Andy Atkinson, finds himself at the center of attention as he is set to monitor the pitch preparations for the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. In a surprising turn of events, Atkinson accused India of pitch-switching in the semi-final, sparking controversy within the cricketing community.
Andy Atkinson, serving as the ICC pitch consultant, plays a crucial role in ensuring the fairness and quality of pitches in international cricket tournaments. However, his recent allegations against India have raised eyebrows and cast a shadow over his relationship with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The high-stakes semi-final between India and New Zealand took place at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Atkinson claimed that there was a switch from the planned fresh Pitch 7 to a used Pitch 6, insinuating that it was done for India’s benefit. This accusation did not sit well with BCCI officials, adding tension to an already intense match.
Wankhede Stadium, steeped in cricket history, witnessed the clash on a used pitch, initially intended for a fresh encounter. The ICC addressed the controversy, stating that changes in pitch rotations are common and were made on the recommendation of the venue curator in collaboration with the host.
Amidst the turmoil, Atkinson was reported to have left the country, only for later clarification that he is still in India. BCCI officials, including senior chief of ground staff Ashish Bhowmick, monitored the pitch preparations in Ahmedabad, adding intrigue to the lead-up to the final.
“Changes to planned pitch rotations are common towards the end of an event of this length and has already happened a couple of times. This change was made on the recommendation of the venue curator in conjunction with our host. The ICC independent pitch consultant was apprised of the change and has no reason to believe the pitch won’t play well,” ICC stated.
The big question remains: Will the final be played on a fresh or used pitch? The usage of a heavy roller on the surface suggests strategic considerations, possibly influencing the nature of the pitch and the teams’ gameplay.
A state association curator weighed in, explaining that a slow batting track could be created with the use of a heavy roller on a black soil strip. This strategic move aims to make batting second challenging, potentially making a score of 315 defendable.
“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.
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The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 final is set to witness a fierce battle between the Rohit Sharma-led India National Cricket Team and Pat Cummins-led Australia National Cricket Team at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The outcome of the final will be the culmination of a thrilling tournament filled with ups and downs.
India secured their spot in the final by defeating New Zealand by 70 runs in the semi-final at Wankhede Stadium. Meanwhile, Australia secured their place by beating South Africa by 3 wickets at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Both teams have showcased exceptional skills, setting the stage for an epic clash.
