Sunil Gavaskar Calls Accusations Of BCCI Interference In Selecting Pitches For India 'Pretty Irrelevant'
Published - 23 Nov 2023, 03:00 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:23 AM
Legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar has dismissed accusations of BCCI interference in pitch selection for India games in the World Cup 2023. Sunil Gavaskar said that the pitch selection process had the approval of the ICC pitch consultant before the matches were played.
Earlier, Australian media reports suggested that the BCCI manipulated the pitch for the first semifinal match against New Zealand. A slow pitch was provided for the World Cup final encounter, where the Pat Cummins-led Australian team secured their sixth World Cup title.
ICC Gave It’s Approval – Sunil Gavaskar
In his column for Sportstar, Sunil Gavaskar said that the ICC pitch consultant’s presence ensured that the pitch selection process was transparent. He emphasized the importance of the ICC’s approval in determining the suitability of pitches for international matches.
“The accusation of BCCI interference in the selection of the pitches for India matches again was pretty irrelevant, as the ICC pitch consultant was around, and only after the ICC gave its approval was the match played on the pitch,” Gavaskar wrote.
A Fast Bowler Took Seven Wicket For India – Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar emphasized that using previously used pitches was within the playing conditions. He highlighted that a fast bowler took seven wickets for India, dismissing concerns raised about a dry pitch favoring Indian spinners.
“Nothing in the playing conditions say that for the knockout games, a fresh pitch had to be used, so just because India’s matches were played on previously used pitches didn’t mean there was any hanky-panky. That was proven conclusively in the semifinals, where the allegation of a dry pitch to suit the Indian spinners was made, but more than 725 runs were scored, and a fast bowler took seven wickets for India,” Gavaskar added.
India’s quest for a third World Cup title and ending a 12-year ICC trophy drought concluded disappointingly. India delivered an exceptional performance throughout the event, securing 10 consecutive victories, including a 70-run win over New Zealand in the semi-final.
