The second ODI between India and New Zealand here today got embroiled in a controversy with an allegation of corruption against pitch curator Pandurang Salgaonkar.
Read: Salgaoncar banned, confirms BCCI acting president
According to a report in India Today , the curator offered to put the pitch on sale hours before the game. A sting operation exposed the real motive of the former Maharashtra cricketer.
Read: Questions raised about BCCI chief curator’s role in Pune wicket
Reporters, posing as bookies, approached Salgaonkar for a pitch that will assist fast bowlers of one of the competing teams. He replied saying: “It will be done.”
“It is a very good pitch on which 337 runs will be chaseable. There is no doubt about it,” he was quoted in the report.
Salgaonkar also let the reporters, who acted as bookies, to inspect the pitch in person violating the BCCI and ICC laws.
"The BCCI appointed curator Ramesh Mhamunkar was immediately made the point person for the centre wicket and the field of play for the 2nd ODI between India and New Zealand," said the BCCI in a release.
The release also said that Salgaonkar has been suspended with immediate effect.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee Chris Broad inspected the pitch ahead of the match and gave a go-ahead for the game.
“We are looking into the issue and in contact with the concerned officials. We have asked for a detailed report and will act upon it accordingly. At BCCI, we have zero tolerance towards any such activity," said Vinod Rai, Chairman of the COA.
“The BCCI has zero tolerance towards any activity that brings the game to disrepute. We have acted swiftly and ensured that there are no loopholes left ahead of the 2nd ODI between India and New Zealand," said Amitabh Choudhary, BCCI Acting Honorary Secretary.
“A strict action has been taken against the pitch curator and the employment relationship between Mr Pandurang Salgaonkar and MCA stands terminated. The BCCI is in touch with the MCA and appropriate measures will be taken with regards to the matter. The BCCI will continue to enforce strict measures in case of such misconduct in the future," said Rahul Johri, CEO, BCCI.
Salgaoncar represented Maharashtra as a fast bowler from 1971-1982. He has also served as selector of the Maharashtra Ranji Trophy team.
There were questions raised about Salgaonkar's job earlier this year too , when 24 wickets fell in two days during the Test match between India and Australia.
In 2016, India were bundled out for 101 in a T20I by an inexperienced group of Sri Lankan seamers at the same venue.
Comments
SHARE