Who is responsible for the pitch before and during a match?

Under the MCC Laws of Cricket (2017 Code, 4th edition, in force from 1 October 2026), which apply to cricket in South Africa unless a competition's playing conditions vary them:

• Before the match: the Ground Authority (the club, school, union or venue responsible for the ground) selects and prepares the pitch, and is responsible for covering it and for all mowing up to the start (Laws 6.3, 9.3.1 and 10.1).
• During the match: the umpires control the use and maintenance of the pitch, and all mowing is done under their supervision.
• Fitness for play: the umpires are the sole judges of whether the pitch is fit for play.
• Changing the pitch: the pitch can't be changed during a match unless the umpires decide it's dangerous or unreasonable to continue on it, and then only with both captains' consent (Law 6.4).
• Inspections: the Ground Authority must let the captains inspect the pitch before they nominate their players, and let the umpires check the pitch, creases, wickets and preparation.

Before the toss, the umpires agree with the captains the balls, hours of play, the boundary and allowances for boundaries, the use of covers, and any special conditions.