The International Cricket Council (ICC) has made efforts to set up a backup pitch at The Oval for the upcoming WTC 2023 final as a precautionary measure in response to possible interruptions by activists from the group Just Stop Oil.
The goal of this measure is to prevent potential disruptions and guarantee the smooth course of the WTC 2023 Final match, which is slated to start on Wednesday. It should be mentioned that the match will still be played on the main surface, which has recently been carefully maintained.
This decision by the ICC follows a series of disruptions caused by activists affiliated with Just Stop Oil. Comprising various environmental action groups aiming to raise awareness about climate change, this coalition has previously affected several sporting events in the United Kingdom.
Instances of disruption have been witnessed in high-profile tournaments such as the Premier League football matches, the World Snooker Championships, and Premiership Rugby Union encounters.
Assessing Pitch Damage: Impact on the WTC 2023 Final
If the pitch undergoes damage, a thorough assessment will be conducted to determine its suitability for play. If the pitch is deemed to be in good condition, the match will proceed as planned on the same pitch. However, if the pitch is deemed unsuitable, the officials will evaluate the condition of an alternative pitch and make a decision regarding its usability.
The final call regarding the continuation of the match will involve the agreement of both team captains, Rohit Sharma and Pat Cummins. If both captains mutually consent to continue playing despite the pitch damage, the match will carry on. However, if they are not in agreement, there is a possibility that the match could be called off or abandoned.
The outcome of the WTC 2023 final will be influenced by various factors, including the circumstances that unfold during the match and the decisions made by the relevant authorities and team captains in response to the pitch conditions.
Handling Pitch Disruptions: Protocols and Decision-making Process
Determining Safety: If the on-field umpires determine that the match pitch poses safety risks or is deemed unreasonable to continue to play, they have the authority to halt the game immediately and inform the ICC match referee (6.4.1).
Consultation: The on-field umpires and ICC match referee will engage in discussions with both team captains to assess the situation (6.4.2).
Agreement to Resume: If both captains agree to resume play despite the pitch concerns, the game will recommence (6.4.3).
Evaluation and Repair: In the case where play is not to be resumed, the on-field umpires, in consultation with the ICC match referee, will evaluate whether the existing pitch can be repaired and if the match can resume from the point it was stopped. The ICC match referee will consider the fairness of such repairs, considering the advantage it may give either team based on a previous play on the dangerous pitch (6.4.4).
Exploring Alternative Pitches: If it is determined that the existing pitch cannot be repaired, the ICC match referee will collaborate with the ICC to explore options for continuing the match on another pitch at the same venue. However, this can only proceed if the new pitch meets the required Test standards set by the ICC (6.4.5).
Abandonment as Last Resort: If it is not feasible to resume the match on another pitch at the same venue on any scheduled day, including the reserve day, the match will be abandoned, resulting in no official result (6.4.6).
Communication and Updates: Throughout the decision-making process, the ICC match referee will ensure continuous communication with both team captains and the head of the ground authority. The head of the ground authority will be responsible for making appropriate and timely public announcements (6.4.7).
Also Read: WTC Final 2023: 3 Indian Players Whose Test Careers Might End If They Have A Bad Game
