Follow UsBefore the first semi-final between India and New Zealand in Mumbai got underway, there were reports that suggested that the pitch had been changed at the request of the Indian team management and the BCCI. But the ICC has clarified that such last-minute changes are not something new, further adding that it has already occurred on a couple of occasions.
Initially, a fresh surface was to be used for the semi-final clash, instead, the game is now being played on the same track that hosted England vs South Africa and India vs Sri Lanka - on the insistence of Rahul Dravid, according to a report on Cricbuzz.
"Changes to planned pitch rotations are common towards the end of an event of this length and has already happened a couple of times," the ICC told the portal on Wednesday (November 15).
"This change was made on the recommendation of the venue curator in conjunction with our host. The ICC independent pitch consultant was apprised of the change and has no reason to believe the pitch won't play well."
Both the semi-finals in the T20 World Cup last year were played on used surfaces, while both semi-finals in 2019 were played on fresh tracks.
According to clause 6.3 of the Playing Conditions for this World Cup, the "Ground Authority shall be responsible for the selection and preparation of the pitch."
In this case, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is the authority whose curators have closely worked with ICC's independent pitch consultant - Andy Atkinson.