The ODI World Cup is going to start in India on October 5. His preparations are already in full swing. Everything from the renovation of the stadium gallery to the renovation of the pitch is being done under wartime conditions. Naturally, India's 22 yards are a bit helpful for batting. Sometimes, spin bowlers also get help. However, before the start of the ODI World Cup, the world cricket governing body, the ICC, has given instructions to the pitch makers: the bowlers are bound to wake up. The ICC has stated in no uncertain terms that it makes batting-friendly pitches.
But the ICC did not want to stop. To get big runs in the match so that the audience can enjoy the game more, several other important instructions have been given to them. The length of the boundary is said to be at least 70 yards. Arrangements have also been made to cover the entire field if it rains. Besides, the ICC pitching consultants have directed the local pitch manufacturers to make batting-friendly wickets. Andy Atkinson, the ICC's pitch consultant, also gave a presentation on this in Mumbai on Wednesday. Pitch makers from every venue to host ODI World Cup matches were present.
Pitch curators from 9 out of 12 venues were present at this meeting. They have been strictly instructed that if there is any pressure from outside that the grass on the pitch should be cut in certain matches, it should not be heard in any way. The pitch is asked to be pitched at a ratio of 60–40 so that the batters get an advantage. Big runs were scored in the match. According to statistics from the last few World Cups, the lowest first-inning average was in the 2011 World Cup. That World Cup was jointly organized by India. The average first inning of that World Cup was only 249. In 2015, this average was 274 runs. The average run rate in 2011 was 5.03, in 2015 it was 5.65, and in 2019 it increased to 5.69 runs per over. Therefore, keeping this aspect in mind, this instruction has been given by the ICC.
The grass in the outfield is also prohibited from being trimmed too much. The grass is often cut short due to the speed of the ball in the outfield. It is also forbidden to do that. Because it is likely to reduce the fielders' attempts to block the ball with a dive. The length of the boundary is said to be between 70 and 80 yards. Venues that do not have sand at the floor level of the outfield, i.e., have less water absorption capacity when it rains, have been asked to settle the entire field during rains. Note that although the World Cup is in October, the warm-up matches will start on September 29.
