Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:34pm on 15 Nov 2023,Wednesday Sports
The India-NZ World Cup semi was mired in controversy as reports said hosts India changed the Wankhede pitch to help spinners, playing on a 'used surface' instead of a new one prepared for the match. Amid criticism over the pitch, Sunil Gavaskar blasted "morons talking about the change", asserting "The pitch was set before the toss." Gavaskar fumed "If you are a good team, you play on that pitch and win." The ICC said changes to planned rotations are "common" in long events, and was recommended by the curator here. The ICC stated its consultant was aware of the change, adding: "No reason to believe the pitch won't play well." As per the rules, hosts need not use fresh pitches in knockouts. An angry Gavaskar concluded: "Already they are talking about Ahmedabad and the second semifinal hasn't even taken place. They are talking about the pitch being changed in Ahmedabad. Nonsense!"
