Pune curator suspended after landing in 'pitch-tampering' soup

Maharashtra Cricket Association's pitch curator Pandurang Salgaonkar was caught on camera leaking details about the pitch for the second one-dayer between India and New Zealand, set to be played at Pune's MCA Stadium. As a result, Salgaonkar has been barred from entering the ground. Ramesh Mamunkar, the Wankhede curator, will take over from Salgaonkar.

Speaking on the issue, Maharastra CA president Abhay Apte said, "I am here to just make one statement because since morning there has been some news which is appearing on the television on a very disturbing subject.

"I have to tell that the MCA, of course the BCCI too, along with the Committee of the Administrators (CoA) have zero tolerance on such subjects, so MCA will be making a detailed enquiry on what has happened or what has appeared on television. But before we have our urgent meeting, in the capacity of the MCA President , I have taken Mr. Salgaonkar under suspension with immediate effect, and all his work has been withdrawn, including his basic membership with the MCA has been withdrawn. The ICC observer (match referee Chris Broad) has approved the pitch, the match will start on schedule," he said.

Amitabh Choudhary, the acting secretary of the BCCI, said,"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."

Board CEO Rahul Johri echoed the same. "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."

India Today reporters, disguised as bookies, had approached Salgaonkar asking for details of the pitch on which the match will be played. Against the BCCI and ICC rules, the reporters were allowed access to the pitch and even let to tamper with it.

The India Today report further stated that the pitch curator guaranteed 'pitch manipulation to suit the bookies' 'strategy'.

Excerpts from the video

Excerpt 1:

Undercover reporter: A couple of players want some bounce on the wicket. Can that be done?

Salgaonkar: Our wicket is always helpful to fast bowlers

UR: You sure that can be done?

S: Sure

Excerpt 2:

UR: XXX (A Player) wants some assistance from the pitch

S: I've told you this is going to be a 340-run wicket

UR: That you've already said. We will bet on that accordingly. But we want some favour for XXX.

S: That will also be done.

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