Introduction
The Controversies World cup 2023 would be a good heading for the cricket historians as this WC has the perfect receipe for it. The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India was a spectacle of fierce competition, showcasing thrilling cricket moments that will be etched in memory. However, the tournament was not without its fair share of controversies, both on and off the field. From last-minute pitch alterations to questionable umpire decisions and off-field incidents, the World Cup stirred discussions and debates. Let’s delve into the top controversies that defined the event.
Wankhede's Pitch Dilemma: A Last-Minute Twist
At the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, the spotlight turned to the pitch just before the India vs New Zealand semi-final. A sudden alteration aimed at creating a slow playing surface raised suspicions, with accusations of the game being played on a pitch used twice. The ICC clarified the situation, stating that the change was consulted with an independent pitch consultant, emphasizing the commonality of such alterations in lengthy events.
Virat Kohli's Century Amidst Wide Call Controversy
In a clash against Bangladesh, Virat Kohli’s pursuit of his 48th ODI century was marred by a contentious wide call. Spinner Nasum Ahmed’s attempt to hinder Kohli’s century by tossing a wide ball sparked debates. Despite the controversy, Kohli’s resilience prevailed as he went on to score an unbeaten century, securing India’s seven-wicket success.
DRS Drama in Pakistan-South Africa Encounter
The match between Pakistan and South Africa at MA Chidambaram Stadium saw intense battles and two DRS controversies. Usama Mir’s delivery led to a debated LBW decision for Rassie van der Dussen, and later, Haris Rauf’s unsuccessful DRS challenge in the 46th over drew criticism. Harbhajan Singh blamed officials, igniting discontent among fans.
Joe Root's LBW Review: A Skeptical Decision
In the India-England clash, a contentious LBW decision against Joe Root stirred controversy. Despite Root’s review showing a minor spike on ultra edge, the umpire’s original decision was upheld, leading to Root’s dismissal. England coach Matthew Mott expressed skepticism, questioning the ruling despite the technology used.
Angelo Mathews Timed Out: The First-Ever Incident
In a Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh group match, Angelo Mathews became the first player to be timed out in international cricket. A broken helmet strap and a request for replacement led to a heated debate. Mathews criticized Shakib Al Hasan and the Bangladesh team, with the incident becoming a topic of widespread discussion among cricket fans. At the end of the match, both the teams did not shake the hands and walked off the field. The post match press conference was too dipped with satirical remarks and comments. This incident made ICC to ponder over the existing rules and regulation of cricket and the umpiring decision.
Off-Field Incidents: Politics and Hostility
Off-field controversies added another layer to the World Cup narrative. Mohammad Rizwan faced jeers with chants of “Jai Shri Ram,” prompting a complaint from the PCB. A political backlash ensued, highlighting the disrespect to faith groups. Indian supporters’ harassment of a Bangladeshi fan and the destruction of his soft toy further fueled tensions
Kapil Dev's BCCI Snub: A Call for Recognition
The exclusion of ex-captain Kapil Dev from the ICC World Cup’s ultimate match raised eyebrows. Kapil Dev revealed he wasn’t invited by the BCCI and expressed disappointment. Fans and commentators voiced disapproval, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the 1983 triumphant squad.
Hasan Raza Controversial Remarks
Controversy arose when ex-Pakistani cricketer Hasan Raza made contentious remarks, suggesting that India was manipulating the Decision Review System (DRS) during the 2023 World Cup. Raza claimed that the ICC and BCCI were providing India with specially designed balls, granting them more swing advantage than usual. This statement drew strong criticism from former Pakistani pacer Wasim Akram, who urged Raza not to sully the reputation of cricket in Pakistan. This is not the first time the ball tampering issue has been raised by the former cricketers, in the past too many cricket analysts and the cricketers did accept how they had altered the balls during the match. Raza also touched upon a specific match moment, highlighting the contentious decision involving Tabraiz Shamsi and Haris Rauf during the South Africa vs. Pakistan game at the Chepauk, which added fuel to the ongoing controversy.Â
Conclusion
The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 will be remembered for its moments of brilliance on the field and controversies that sparked debates off it. From pitch dramas to questionable decisions, the tournament added another chapter to the rich history of cricket, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next edition
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