ODI World Cup semifinal pitch controversy: Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar, one of the most respected voices in international cricket, strongly slammed India cricket team critics and reports that suggested the hosts prepared a 'spin-friendly' pitch for India vs New Zealand ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 semifinal at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Leading up to the high-octane IND vs NZ ODI World Cup 2023 clash, several media outlets reported that the ODI World Cup 2023 semifinal would be played on a used pitch instead of the initially planned fresh surface, as India wanted a 'slow' surface that assisted their spinners. However, despite these reports, a total of 724 runs were scored, three batters scored centuries in IND vs NZ ODI World Cup 2023 semifinal.
Sunil Gavaskar slams critics over 'pitch controversy', says 'hope they just shut up, stop taking potshots at India'
“When India reaches the final of any multi-nation tournament, it is always a matter of great pride and if it is the World Cup, it’s that much more special. India have done it in style. They scored close to 400 runs, and had that extra 70-80 runs cushion. This has been such a wonderful pitch. We’ve got more than 700 runs scored on this. All those morons who have been saying that the pitch has been charged to favour the Indian spinners, I hope they just shut up, stop taking potshots at India just because it helps you to get whatever eyeballs,” Gavaskar said on Star Sports.
“It’s nonsense. Even if it was changed, it was done before the toss. It wasn’t changed after the toss or in the middle of the innings. You are a World Cup team, you play on that pitch, you win. India have done that. So stop talking about the pitch.”
ICC issues clarification over 'pitch controversy' in IND vs NZ ODI World Cup 2023 semifinal at Mumbai's Wankede Stadium
“Changes to planned pitch rotations are common towards the end of an event of this length, and have already happened a couple of times. This change was made on the recommendation of the venue curator in conjunction with our host,” ICC said in a statement.
“The ICC independent pitch consultant was apprised of the change and has no reason to believe the pitch won’t play well.”