10TH MAY, 2011 MEDIA ADVISORY There have been several comments regarding the wickets on which the IPL matches are being played. The BCCI would like to confirm that its Ground and Pitches Committee sent recommendations for ground and pitch preparation to all host associations before the start of the IPL season. Included in the same was the advice that ‘the pitches should have good pace and consistent bounce.’ The Committee members have visited a number of the IPL venues both before and, where necessary, during the season, and made appropriate recommendations, the priority being to ensure competitive and quality cricket. Neither of the playing teams has a choice of the wicket, on which to play the game. It is the curator, in consultation with the Ground and Pitches Committee Chairman, who prepares the wickets. The BCCI wishes to clarify that the wicket used in the match between Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, played at Jaipur on 9th May 2011, was as per the decision of the curator and the Ground and Pitches Committee. This decision was taken in the best interests of the game. “Our primary objective is to provide good playing surfaces, which will be fair to both teams. We have stressed that the best available conditions should be utilized at each venue. The IPL is being played at the end of the Indian domestic season, and after the World Cup. Therefore, the main pitches are bound to have wear-and-tear. The extreme heat prevailing all over the country has also taken its toll. Hence, it becomes necessary to change the pitches in some cases, as good playing conditions will result in good cricket,” Venkat Sundaram, Chairman, Ground and Pitches Committee of the BCCI, said. Chirayu Amin Chairman IPL