DUBAI: The Ahmedabad pitch for the World Cup 2023 final between India and Australia underwent scrutiny by the International Cricket Council (ICC), earning an “average” rating in its assessment. This evaluation was part of the ICC’s comprehensive review of pitch and outfield conditions, encompassing eight matches held across five Indian venues during the World Cup.
Among the matches assessed, including five involving the host team India, the final on November 19 was played on the same pitch that hosted the India-Pakistan fixture earlier in the tournament. This decision stemmed from recommendations made by the ICC’s pitch consultant, Andy Atkinson, whose expertise guided the assessment process.
Both the final match and the India-Pakistan encounter received an average rating for pitch quality. Notably, the surface at Eden Gardens, the venue for the second semi-final between Australia and South Africa, also earned an average rating. This rendered Eden Gardens with the highest count of average ratings, tallying up to five across various games.
Contrastingly, the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, where the first semi-final between India and New Zealand took place, received a “good” rating for its pitch quality. Despite initial concerns about the pitch’s transition from a fresh surface to a used track before the match, the fears of a sluggish track did not materialize. The game witnessed a total of 724 runs and three centuries across both innings, with spinners accounting for only one wicket.
It’s important to note that the ICC employs a six-tier rating system—ranging from very good, good, average, below average, poor, to unfit—to evaluate pitches and outfields for all international games. This extensive evaluation process aims to maintain and uphold the quality and fairness of cricketing conditions across various venues.
