Aoba Tanaka 
In a recent update to its pitch and outfield ratings, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has given the Ahmedabad pitch, used for the 2023 World Cup final between India and Australia, an “average” rating. This decision has sparked controversy, especially as several World Cup matches held across five Indian venues received overall average ratings.
Key Highlights
1. Ahmedabad Pitch Controversy:
The Ahmedabad pitch, utilized for both the India-Pakistan fixture and the World Cup final, received an “average” rating. This decision comes on the heels of critiques surrounding the nature of pitches in international cricket.
2. Eden Gardens Leading in ‘Average’ Ratings:
Eden Gardens took the spotlight with the most “average” ratings, receiving five in total, including the surface used for the second semi-final between Australia and South Africa.
3. Wankhede Stadium’s “Good” Rating:
The surface at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, hosting the first semi-final between India and New Zealand, received a “good” rating. The pitch’s alteration from a fresh surface to a used track did not impact the high-scoring nature of the game.
4. Rahul Dravid’s Discontent:
During the tournament, India’s head coach, Rahul Dravid, expressed disagreement with the “average” pitch ratings for India’s league matches in Chennai and Ahmedabad. Dravid emphasized the need for diverse assessments that go beyond high-scoring games.
5. Outfield Ratings:
Dharamsala’s outfield received an “average” rating for four out of the five games hosted, with players criticizing its patchy grass and sandy base. MCA Stadium in Pune also received an “average” rating for the India vs Bangladesh fixture.
Controversy Over Pitch Assessment:
The controversy surrounding pitch assessments raises questions about the criteria for determining what qualifies as a “good” or “average” pitch. Dravid’s call for a broader perspective on pitch quality emphasizes the importance of recognizing various skills displayed, beyond just high-scoring encounters.
Outfield Concerns in Dharamsala:
Dharamsala’s outfield, marked as “average” for most games, faced player criticism due to its patchy grass and sandy base. The concerns were not new, as an India vs Australia Test match had been moved from Dharamsala earlier in the year due to similar issues.
Conclusion:
As the cricketing community discusses and debates the ICC’s pitch and outfield assessments, the need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to evaluating playing surfaces becomes apparent. The controversy over pitch ratings adds a layer of complexity to discussions about the balance between bat and ball in international cricket.
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