Picture Credit: Twitter
The hosts, Team India is all set to take on New Zealand in the first semifinal of the ODI World Cup 2023 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Wednesday, 15 November. However, just hours before the start of the all-important match, several media reports have claimed that the Indian cricket team asked for a ‘slow pitch’.
Also Follow: IND vs NZ ODI World Cup 2023 Live Scores
As reported by an English daily ‘The Indian Express’, the grass on the pitch was shaved off so that it could provide help to the spinners. While the pitches for ICC events are prepared as per the governing body’s request, a report by The Daily Mail claimed that the pitch on which the two sides will play, has been used twice.
The ICC pitch curator, Andy Atkinson has also allegedly expressed frustration due to the inconclusive answers about pitch preparations for the final, set to take place on November 19 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Additionally, fans have also expressed massive row over on the reports of pitch switch.
Former England cricketer, Michael Vaughan also took to X to put his say on the pitch row, adding, “A World Cup semi should be played on a fresh pitch…. It’s as simple as that..”
Check fans reactions here:
It is to be noted that while it is New Zealand’s fifth consecutive semifinal appearance in the World Cup, India will aim to overcome their last semifinal defeat.
