The ongoing IPL franchises vs curator battle has now made headlines at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The latest chapter unfolded after Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) suffered a 6-wicket defeat to Delhi Capitals. Following the loss, RCB’s mentor Dinesh Karthik did not hold back. He publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the pitch conditions and pointed fingers at the curator. Karthik’s bold comments reflect growing tension between IPL franchises and pitch curators this season.
RCB Disappointed with Pitch Conditions
During the post-match press conference, Dinesh Karthik voiced his frustration. He revealed that the RCB team management had asked the curator to prepare a “good wicket” ahead of the first two home matches. By that, they meant a pitch that would support high-scoring games and favor batters. However, according to Karthik, the curator did not follow through. Instead, the pitch turned out to be slower than expected, making batting difficult for both sides.
Why the Pitch Matters So Much
In the IPL, teams often shape their game strategy around home pitch conditions. That’s why franchises request curators to prepare wickets that suit their playing style. For a team like RCB, known for strong batting lineups, a flat and batter-friendly surface can be a huge advantage. When that doesn’t happen, teams feel their planning goes to waste. The situation at Chinnaswamy highlights how serious the IPL franchises vs curator battle has become.
A Growing Trend Across Venues
This isn’t the first pitch-related controversy in IPL 2025. Similar complaints have emerged from other venues, where franchise staff and players have questioned the role of curators. Franchises want more control over pitch preparation, especially during home games. However, the ground staff and pitch curators often operate independently or under local cricket associations. This leads to clashes in expectations and execution.
Will the IPL Step In?
The IPL franchises vs curator battle raises important questions for the league’s organizers. Should franchises be allowed more say in pitch preparation? Or should curators retain full independence? With high stakes, packed stadiums, and millions watching, pitch quality and consistency matter more than ever. As teams compete for playoff spots, every match counts—and so does the surface it’s played on.
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