In the lead-up to the much-anticipated India vs. New Zealand ODI World Cup semifinal at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) stirred controversy by allegedly altering the intended pitch, opting for a used surface instead of a fresh one approved by the ICC’s pitch consultant, Andy Atkinson.

As per a report from Daily Mail, the decision to deviate from the approved ‘fresh pitch’ led to former cricketing icons expressing their views on the matter. Sunil Gavaskar, speaking on India Today, addressed the issue, highlighting India’s adaptability to diverse surfaces. Follow your favourite cricket team with attractive betting odds from Nextbet. 

Gavaskar emphasized the team’s competence in handling various pitches, affirming that regardless of the pitch conditions, the Indian team is adept at navigating them. He acknowledged the likelihood of a drier pitch due to the absence of rain, potentially offering minimal spin. However, he reassured that the Mumbai pitch generally favors batting and shouldn’t pose significant concerns.

Echoing similar sentiments, Gavaskar downplayed the buzz around the pitch change, attributing it to pre-match narrative filler, asserting that if the pitch remains consistent before the toss, it shouldn’t warrant undue attention.

On the other hand, former England captain Michael Vaughan took to his official social media platform ‘X’ (formerly Twitter), advocating for the semifinal to be played on a fresh pitch, emphasizing simplicity in the matter.

The controversy surrounding the pitch change has unexpectedly diverted attention from the highly anticipated semifinal showdown between two powerhouse teams in world cricket, overshadowing the excitement leading up to the clash. The focus on pitch alterations has somewhat diluted the spotlight from what promises to be a thrilling encounter between India and New Zealand in the crucial World Cup semifinal. Get free cricket betting tips only on Nextbet Sports.