‘Changes to planned pitch rotations are common’ – ICC on last minute pitch change for IND vs NZ semi-final clash

ICC in a recent comment to Cricbuzz talked about the pitch change controversy that has rocked the cricket world ahead of the India vs New Zealand ODI World Cup semi-final. 

The ICC had said, “changes to planned pitch rotations are common towards the end of an event of this length, and has already happened a couple of times,” the ICC told Cricbuzz on Wednesday. “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 have an independent pitch curator – Pat Cummins

Elsewhere, Pat Cummins, Australia captain, has also stated that his side have faith in the ICC (International Cricket Council) after the pitch controversy became a topic of debate. Australia will take on South Africa in the second semifinal of the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. 

Before India’s semifinal against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, reports emerged that the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) has sought a ‘slow pitch’ for the game. Cummins stated that they have not faced any issues yet.

“Yeah, I saw that (the report)… obviously ICC have an independent pitch curator who manages that so I’m sure they are all over making sure it’s fair for both teams. So far this tournament that we’ve played on, I’ve not seen any issue,” Cummins said. 

The report claimed that although a new pitch was initially scheduled for the first semifinal, it will now be played on a surface that has been “used” in order to assist Indian spinners, resulting in a pitch change. It also stated that a sluggish pitch is anticipated at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad if India reaches the final. The host association is “responsible for the selection and preparation of the pitch” according to the ICC’s World Cup Playing Conditions, therefore new pitches are not necessary for a knockout match.