IND vs NZ: Sunil Gavaskar slams 'morons' amid 'pitch fixing' allegation on BCCI in World Cup 2023 knockouts

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IND vs NZ: Sunil Gavaskar has teared into those who raised questions on the nature of the Wankhede Stadium surface ahead of the semi-final one match of the World Cup 2023 between India and Australia.

After a few reports revealed that the pitch for the high-octane match was changed after India's request, and a used pitch will be used, foreign media and a few former cricketers took shots at the hosts Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The reports claimed that a slow pitch was dished out to give Indian an advantage against the Kane Williamson-led New Zealand side. After losing the toss, Williamson also confirmed that a used pitch was on offer.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan and former Australia coach Darren Lehman were among many others who reacted to the news, saying fresh pitches are musts for knockout events in ICC matches.

However, a total of 724 runs were scored on the 'slow' pitch. The New Zealand side was cruising at 220/2 in 32.1 overs while chasing a 398-run target against India. One out of the 14 wickets which fell in the match was taken by spinners. India pacer Mohammed Shami finished with figures of 7/56 to hand India a 70-run win.

Post the high-scoring encounter, Sunil Gavaskar lashed out at those accusing the BCCI of 'tampering with the pitches'. He called them 'morons' and asked them to stop making ridiculous claims to seek attention.

“When India reaches the final of any multi-nation tournament, it is always a matter of great pride and if it is the World Cup, it’s that much more special. India have done it in style. They scored close to 400 runs, and had that extra 70-80 runs cushion.

"This has been such a wonderful pitch. We’ve got more than 700 runs scored on this. All those morons who have been saying that the pitch has been charged to favour the Indian spinners, I hope they just shut up, stop taking potshots at India just because it helps you to get whatever eyeballs,” Gavaskar said on Star Sports.

ICC also released a statement on Wednesday to clarify that change in pitches at last moments was not something new in ICC long events.

“Changes to planned pitch rotations are common towards the end of an event of this length, and has already happened a couple of times,” it read.

“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.”

He also expressed disbelief on people talking about 'pitch fixing' at Narendra Modi Stadium even before India defeated New Zealand to qualify for the mega final at the venue on Sunday, November 19.

Australian captain Pat Cummins also did not weigh too much on the pitch controversy. He said that his side hasn't faced any issue in the ongoing World Cup 2023.

"Yeah, I saw that (the report)... obviously ICC have an independent pitch curator who manages that. So I'm sure they are making sure it's fair for both teams," Cummins said ahead of Australia's semifinal against South Africa at Eden Gardens.

"So far this tournament that we've played on, I've not seen any issue,” added Cummins.