Has India tampered with World Cup pitches?

India is facing criticism for allegedly manipulating pitch conditions in their favor during the Cricket World Cup.

Reports suggest that India’s team management has changed the pitch for the semi-final against New Zealand in Mumbai and potentially for the final if India qualifies.

The adjustments aim to favour India’s spin bowlers Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravichandran Ashwin.

Originally slated to be played on pitch seven at Wankhede Stadium, a fresh and unused surface, the venue was changed to pitch six, which had already been used for two matches.

This alteration is said to create a slower, lower strip, posing challenges for New Zealand’s seam bowlers.

The International Cricket Council’s independent pitch consultant, Andy Atkinson, expressed doubts about the neutrality of the pitch for the final. In an email published by The Daily Mail, Atkinson raised concerns about whether the pitch was selected and prepared to India’s stipulations.

India’s coach, Rahul Dravid, engaged in a lengthy discussion with the ground staff at Wankhede Stadium about the surface, raising eyebrows about India’s involvement in pitch selection.

The move has sparked controversy, with questions arising about the fairness of pitch conditions in the World Cup.

India’s quest for a World Cup victory on home soil has intensified, with the team undefeated in the qualifying matches.

However, accusations of pitch manipulation have emerged, drawing parallels to the 2019 World Cup, where England overcame challenging surfaces to secure victory.

Despite India’s reliance on spin bowlers, their seam bowlers, including Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, and Mohammad Siraj, have demonstrated versatility in various conditions.

The controversy adds a layer of scrutiny to India’s World Cup campaign, with concerns about pitch fairness and the potential impact on the tournament’s integrity.

The International Cricket Council stated that the pitch consultant collaborates with host venues on proposed pitch allocations, emphasizing an ongoing process throughout the event.

The unfolding situation has brought attention to the broader discussion of pitch preparation and its influence on the game at the international level.