CHANDIGARH, India — The BCCI was on Sunday facing allegations of instructing ground staff at the PCA Stadium in Chandigarh to change the nature of the wicket in favour of the World T20 hosts.
So far no official comment has been made by the BCCI or PCA but the ICC denies that there have been any changes made to the wicket.
India face Australia in a match to decide who joins New Zealand in the semi-finals from Group 2 and it is reported that the governing body made the request in a bid to improve their chances of progressing.
On the morning of the game the Hindustan Times quoted BCCI sources in claiming the chief curator had been asked to produce more spin and variable bounce, rather than the true, quick wickets that have become common here.
“The game was scheduled to be played on a pitch which would have played similar to the one that was used for the Pakistan-Australia match. But India weren’t happy and have now requested a change. Now, the pitch that they have chosen will assist spin and maybe inconsistent bounce,” the source was quoted as saying.
The women’s match between India and the West Indies will also be played on the same wicket on Sunday afternoon, meaning it is likely to be tired and slowing down in pace even more by the time the men take to the field in the evening.
Update on the Hindustan Times story. Journalist given a dressing down by the ICC media over it. Doesn't seem to have substance to be honest.
— Barny Read (@BarnabyRead) March 27, 2016
There is immense pressure on the Indian team to progress with the BCCI and ICC concerned over the effect an early exit will have on ticket sales and, most significantly from a revenue perspective, TV audiences.
During a home series the conditions are at the whim of the hosts, as seen in India’s convincing Test series win over South Africa last year, which was played on rank turners that barely lasted four days.
But during an ICC event it is unheard of that a home board would influence proceedings and alter conditions in their favour.
The ICC appoints curators to oversee grounds across venues, working with the local administrators to ensure the best men are in position to create pitches that promote an even keel.
