Aakash Chopra hits back at Mohammad Hafeez after former Paksitan player raises questions on pitches in India

Former Pakistan all-rounder, Mohammad Hafeez, has raised concerns about the pitch quality at the ongoing 2023 World Cup. His comments have sparked discussions and debates on social media. Speaking in a show in Pakistan, Hafeez questioned whether the tournament’s organisation is truly in the hands of the ICC or influenced by the BCCI.

His statements went viral and he even spoke about the nature of the Chennai pitch changed for the two matches that have been held at the venue. However, former India opening batter, Aakash Chopra, offered Hafeez some clarification.

During an interview with Pakistan’s PTV Sports on Thursday, Hafeez said that the conditions of the Chepauk pitch for the World Cup match between New Zealand and Bangladesh would serve as a litmus test to determine the extent of ICC’s involvement versus the influence of the BCCI.

“The pitch conditions were similar and it behaved similarly in both games. If the pitch is the same in Chennai, which was used for India vs Australia, then it’s understandable. But if there are slight changes, you can understand who is organising the tournament,” said Hafeez.

As soon as the pitch report was done for the Chennai track, Hafeez shared screen captures comparing the track used in the New Zealand-Bangladesh match with the one used in India-Australia.

Taking to X, he shared the video and captioned it: “Two different characteristic pitches at the same venue Chennai. Sawal toh banta hai?”

Responding to these claims as well as questions raised, Aakash Chopra explained why pitches at the same venue do act differently and went on to add that this will be the case at every stadium throughout the World Cup.

“Brother, the square at Chennai (and at many other stadia in India) have pitches made with different soil now. Red-Black and mixed. As you would know, pitches made with different soil component will play differently. Therefore, don’t be surprised if the pitches behave radically different at the same venue throughout the World Cup,” he said.

Brother, the square at Chennai (and at many other stadia in India) have pitches made with different soil now. Red-Black and mixed. As you’d know…pitches made with different soil component will play differently. Therefore, don’t be surprised if the pitches behave radically… https://t.co/FNaM3cIghy

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 13, 2023

As per the ICC schedule, India are the only side that are not playing more than one match at the same venue. So far, they have played in Chennai and Delhi. India have their next fixture against Pakistan in Ahmedabad on Saturday.