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BCCI & ICC at loggerheads over pitch controversy in ongoing series

[caption id="attachment_39183" align="alignnone" width="580"] India coach Anil Kumble inspecting the pitch at Chinnaswamy Stadium. Image Source: Xtra Time[/caption] Internet Desk: ICC match referee Chris Broad has rated the pitch at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore as “below average”. Broad, who was in charge for the first two test matches, in his report submitted to ICC has made his observation. Earlier the former England cricketer rated the Pune wicket as poor in his report. According to ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process, released in October 2010, after each match, the match referee must complete a Pitch and Outfield Report Form which in turn places the pitch in one of the following categories: very good, good, above average, below average, poor or unfit. The criteria for a ‘below average’ pitch reads: Either very little carry and/or bounce and/or more than occasional seam movement, or occasional variable (but not excessive or dangerous) bounce and/or occasional variable carry. If a pitch demonstrates these features, then the pitch cannot be rated in a higher category regardless of the amount of turn the pitch displays at any stage of the match. However, the outfield at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium outfield has received a ‘very good’ rating by Broad. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made it clear that they are in mood to accept the assessment of the International Cricket Council. According to sources in BCCI, “This is a ploy to negate the home advantage and that is somewhat unacceptable. Producing turners cannot be termed poor under any circumstance.” Both the ICC & BCCI have been at loggerheads in recent times. It will be interesting to see how the wicket at JSCA stadium behaves over the next five days.