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Has India switched pitch for semi-final clash against New Zealand?

06:07 PM | 15 Nov, 2023
Has India switched pitch for semi-final clash against New Zealand?

MUMBAI – Ahead of the highly anticipated World Cup semi-final clash between India and New Zealand at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, there are allegations emerging that the hosting team altered the scheduled pitch without seeking authorisation from the International Cricket Council (ICC).

India has maintained an impressive unbeaten streak throughout the tournament, commencing on October 5. The team displayed dominance across nine league matches, securing decisive victories, notably against Sri Lanka, England, and Australia.

As per a recent report from the Daily Mail, the initial plan for the tournament’s first semi-final at Wankhede Stadium involved a fresh surface (pitch seven), previously unused in the competition. However, it’s been reported that the designated pitch has been switched to pitch six, which has already witnessed two matches (England vs South Africa and India vs Sri Lanka).

The ICC’s pitch consultant, Andy Atkinson, responsible for ensuring fair playing surfaces at global tournaments, was reportedly informed about an unspecified issue with pitch seven. A circulated WhatsApp message further confirmed the alleged pitch switch, reaching over 50 BCCI and ICC officials.

Concerns have arisen about potential unilateral alterations to the pitch for the final at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, featuring India or New Zealand against the winner of the Australia or South Africa match in Kolkata on Thursday.

Atkinson, in an email revealed by the outlet, expressed apprehensions about the fairness of pitch selections, questioning whether the final pitch would cater to specific team preferences or follow the customary unbiased approach.

Meanwhile, reports from the Indian media indicated that Indian officials specifically requested BCCI curators to reduce the grass covering on the playing surface, aiming for a slower track after their victory over the Netherlands in Bengaluru.

However, amidst these developments, there have been voices of discontent. Radio host Gerard Whateley, quoted by Fox Sports, expressed shock over the last-minute pitch alterations, highlighting the international nature of the tournament and raising concerns about favoritism in pitch preparations.

He stressed the importance of fairness in an international tournament, indicating that while home series pitches can be tailored to preference, this should not be the case in a tournament of this stature, asserting a perceived bias towards India’s advantage.

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Pakistani rupee exchange rate to US dollar, Euro, Pound, Dirham, and Riyal - 4 Dec  2023

Pakistani rupee's value remained stable against US dollar, Euro, Pound, Dirham, Riyal and other currencies in the open market.

Dollar Rate in Pakistan Today

On Monday, the US dollar was being quoted at 285.15 for buying and 287.95 for selling.

Euro rate stands at 309.9 for buying and 310.5 for selling. British Pound GBP rate stands at 359.4 for buying, and 360.05 for selling.

UAE Dirham AED currently hovers around 77.45 while rate of Saudi Riyal stands at 75.82.

Today’s currency exchange rates in Pakistan – 4 December 2023

Currency Symbol Buying Selling
US Dollar USD 285.15  287.95 
Euro EUR 309.9  310.5 
UK Pound Sterling GBP 359.4  360.05 
U.A.E Dirham AED 77.45 77.6
Saudi Riyal SAR 75.82 75.97
Australian Dollar AUD 187.72 188.22
Bahrain Dinar BHD 759.94 767.94
Canadian Dollar CAD 209.99 210.49
China Yuan CNY 39.78 39.88
Danish Krone DKK 41.95 42.05
Hong Kong Dollar HKD 36.38 36.48
Indian Rupee INR 3.39 3.5
Japanese Yen JPY 1.49 1.56
Kuwaiti Dinar KWD 926.39 935.39
Malaysian Ringgit MYR 60.38 60.98
New Zealand Dollar NZD 173.44 175.44
Norwegians Krone NOK 26.25 26.55
Omani Riyal OMR 742.16 750.18
Qatari Riyal QAR 78.5 79.2
Singapore Dollar SGD 212.45 212.95
Swedish Korona SEK 27.09 27.19
Swiss Franc CHF 325.38 325.88
Thai Bhat THB 8.05 8.09

Gold prices in Pakistan move down despite positive global cues

The gold remained under pressure as the precious metal moved down despite an upward trend in the international market.

Gold Rates in Pakistan Today - 4 December 2023

On the first day of the week, the price of a single tola of 24-karat gold stands at Rs217,000 and 10 grams of 24k gold costs Rs186,043 

A single tola of 22-karat gold costs Rs170,539, while 21 karat rate for each tola is Rs. 192,325 and the price of 18k gold is Rs164,850.

In the global market, gold prices hover at around $2086, gaining $14.44 on Monday.

Today Gold Rate in Pakistan

City Gold Silver
Lahore PKR 217,000 PKR 2,720
Karachi PKR 217,000 PKR 2,720
Islamabad PKR 217,000 PKR 2,720
Peshawar PKR 217,000 PKR 2,720
Quetta PKR 217,000 PKR 2,720
Sialkot PKR 217,000 PKR 2,720
Attock PKR 217,000 PKR 2,720
Gujranwala PKR 217,000 PKR 2,720
Jehlum PKR 217,000 PKR 2,720
Multan PKR 217,000 PKR 2,720
Bahawalpur PKR 217,000 PKR 2,720
Gujrat PKR 217,000 PKR 2,720
Nawabshah PKR 217,000 PKR 2,720
Chakwal PKR 217,000 PKR 2,720
Hyderabad PKR 217,000 PKR 2,720
Nowshehra PKR 217,000 PKR 2,720
Sargodha PKR 217,000 PKR 2,720
Faisalabad PKR 217,000 PKR 2,720
Mirpur PKR 217,000 PKR 2,720

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