Reports: Wankhede pitch switched ahead of semi-final clash against New Zealand

In the light of India's crucial ICC World Cup semi-final clash with New Zealand at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday, there's a buzz about a last-minute change in the playing surface. Word is that the initial pitch selection, handpicked by ICC's pitch guru Andy Atkinson in collaboration with the BCCI, has undergone a switcheroo. 

Originally, a fresh, untouched pitch from the Wankhede block was earmarked for the high-stakes encounter. However, latest reports suggest a twist in the tale – the chosen pitch is no longer in play. Instead, the spotlight now falls on a wicket that has already witnessed action twice in this tournament.

According to the DailyMail, the report accuses that the move has been made in order to assist Indian spinners against the Kiwis and that a Whatsapp message about the pitch-switch was sent to Indian and ICC officials, saying that pitch No. 6 will be used instead of originally selected No. 7. Surface No. 7 was used for the England vs South Africa and India vs Sri Lanka matches in the league stage.

Atkinson lashes out at authorities as they indulge in blame game

Following the opening clash between England and New Zealand in Ahmedabad, the subsequent three matches at the venue deviated from the initially designated surface, prompting Atkinson to communicate his concerns via email to the ICC.

The report suggests that even the pitch slated for the November 19 final has been swapped to a more spin-friendly one. In the aftermath, blame games unfolded, with the BCCI and Gujarat Cricket Association pointing fingers at each other in response to Atkinson's inquiry about the responsible party for the change.

Atkinson's email, as reported by the Daily Mail, read: "As a result of these actions, one must speculate if this will be the first ever (World Cup) final to have a pitch which has been specifically chosen and prepared to their stipulation at the request of the team management and/or the hierarchy of the home nation board. Or will it be selected or prepared without favouritism for either of the sides competing in the match in the usual manner, and unquestionably because it is the usual pitch for the occasion?"