ODI World Cup 2023: Stop speaking about pitch change, it was for each groups, says Gavaskar after India vs New Zealand semifinal

The legendary Sunil Gavaskar on Wednesday dismissed conspiracy theories across the pitch for the World Cup semifinal between India and New Zealand, asking the “morons” to maintain quiet and cease taking potshots on the hosts.

India reached the ultimate with a 70-run win over New Zealand right here.

Hours earlier than India’s extremely anticipated semi-final on the Wankhede, studies emerged that the Indian cricket crew administration has sought a “slow pitch” for the sport.

According to a report, a recent pitch was initially deliberate for the primary semifinal however later an “used” floor was used to help the house crew’s spinners, resulting in pitch alteration.

Read | Wankhede pitch-change controversy: ‘The ICC independent pitch consultant was apprised of the change’

Interestingly, it was pacer Mohammed Shami who claimed a spectacular seven-wicket haul, as India dismissed New Zealand for 327 in 48.1 overs to achieve their first World Cup last in 12 years.

“All those morons who have been saying about pitch change, I hope they just shut up, stop taking potshots at India. Stop talking about pitch change. It was for both teams,” Gavaskar instructed the broadcasters after the match.

The report additionally claimed that if India make the ultimate in Ahmedabad, a sluggish pitch is predicted on the Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera.

“For God’s sake the second semifinal hasn’t been played and they are talking about changing pitch in Ahmedabad,” Gavaskar mentioned.

Also learn | Kohli 100, Shami fifer assist India qualify for last

The International Cricket Council (ICC) additionally later clarified that the unbiased pitch marketing consultant Andy Atkinson was taken into confidence earlier than the change of floor.

“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,” the ICC mentioned in a press release.

The ICC mentioned Atkinson, its unbiased pitch marketing consultant, was conscious of the change.

“The ICC independent pitch consultant was apprised of the change and has no reason to believe the pitch won’t play well,” mentioned the ICC.

As per the ICC’s ‘playing conditions’ for the World Cup, the host affiliation is “responsible for the selection and preparation of the pitch” and there’s no requirement {that a} knockout match have to be performed on recent pitches.