ICC Rates Ahmedabad World Cup Final Pitch "Average," Raises Concerns

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rated the pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, which hosted the ODI World Cup final between Australia and India on November 19, as "average".

ICC match referee Andy Pycroft, a former Zimbabwean batter, gave the outfield a "very good" rating.

On a slow and sluggish pitch, Australia defeated India by six wickets to win the World Cup final.

If Australia bowled, India could only manage 240 in 50 overs, while Australia reached the target in 43 overs thanks to opener Travis Head's 120-ball 137.

The ICC also rated the pitches used in India's league matches in Calcutta, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, and Chennai, respectively, against South Africa, England, Pakistan, and Australia, as "average."

Nonetheless, the Wankhede Stadium field, where India will play New Zealand in the semifinals, was rated as "good." Prior to that game, there were rumors in the media that the home team had changed the pitch, providing a worn rather than a brand-new surface.

The Eden Gardens pitch in Calcutta, which played host to Australia and South Africa in the second semifinal, was rated as "average" by the ICC as well.

Australia scored 212 runs in 49.4 overs to dismiss South Africa, but the match ended in a low-scoring affair. After that, Australia lost seven wickets but managed to surpass the target in 47.2 overs.

However, former India pacer Javagal Srinath, the ICC match referee, rated Eden Gardens' outfield as "very good".

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