Pre-match rigging by India, a phenomenon reminiscent of pre-poll rigging in South Asia, has surfaced in the realm of cricket, particularly exemplified by the first semi-final of the Cricket World Cup. In a controversial turn of events, India faced New Zealand on what was initially designated as pitch number 7. However, in a last-minute decision, the venue was shifted to pitch 6 at the host nation India’s request, prompting widespread uproar. The altered pitch, known to favor spinners, seemingly played a crucial role in India’s advantage, leading to a valiant effort by New Zealand that ultimately fell short—a potential consequence of the pitch switch.
Speculation is rife that India might employ a spin-friendly pitch for the final, strategically aiming to challenge Australia’s formidable batting lineup. If these rumors hold true, it could potentially tilt the balance in India’s favor, exploiting Australia’s perceived vulnerability to spin, as evidenced in their struggle against South Africa. Reports suggest that the black soil pitch used in India’s game against Pakistan might be retained for the final. The anticipation of a slow, turning track prompted Indian captain Rohit Sharma to focus on slip catching drills, preparing the team for spin-oriented strategies.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) found itself defending the last-minute pitch change for the semi-final between India and New Zealand. Although the ICC cited common alterations to planned pitch rotations, critics argued that a World Cup semi-final should ideally be played on a fresh pitch. The controversy deepened as India emerged as the favorite for the final on November 19, raising concerns about potential national embarrassment if the team were to lose at a stadium named after the Prime Minister of India, who is expected to attend the match. Amidst the swirling rumors, questions regarding possible foul play, including pitch selection, continue to circulate, adding a layer of uncertainty to the upcoming championship clash and many are calling it Pre-Match Rigging by India
Update on Cricket World Cup Final: Australia Prepares for Any Challenge from India via Super Sports
As the Cricket World Cup final approaches, Australia remains undeterred by the recent ‘pitch switch’ controversy that stirred the tournament. India, the standout team with a flawless record of 10 victories, encountered a pre-semifinal row in Mumbai when it was revealed that the match would be played on a Wankhede Stadium pitch previously used twice during the tournament, sparking debate over fairness.
Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, addressed the situation in a pre-match press conference, acknowledging the potential advantages of playing on home soil but expressing confidence in his team’s readiness. “We’ll be ready in terms of anything they’ll throw at us…we’ll make sure we have some plans,” Cummins stated.
The pitch for the final will be the same surface as India’s dominant performance against Pakistan last month. India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, anticipates a slower pitch but emphasized the need to assess the conditions on the day. Despite the controversy and discussions about the impact of the pitch, Sharma highlighted the importance of playing well to secure victory, downplaying the significance of the toss. The Mumbai semifinal, also played on a used pitch, witnessed over 700 runs, suggesting that the pitch condition may not be a decisive factor.
