India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI : Pune curator sacked in pitch-fixing scandal

The curator at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Ground in Pune, Pandurang Salgaonkar, has been suspended after being accused of ‘allowing people to tamper with the pitch’ on the eve of the second ODI between India and New Zealand, in their ongoing three-match series.

According to India Today, its reporters ‘disguised as bookies’ had the pitch curator agreeing to prepare the pitch according to their demands.The second ODI is set to be played Wednesday afternoon with the Indian cricket team under pressure to level the series after the Kiwis took a 1-0 lead in Mumbai last Sunday.

Salgaonkar, a former fast bowler who played 63 First-Class matches and 5 List-A games claiming 214 and 4 wickets, respectively, is also accused to have allowed the reporters on the pitch and tamper with it. He has now been barred from entering the ground, as per the report. His duties will be carried out by a BCCI report.Despite the controversy, it remains unlikely that the match will be called off.

The report added that a clear violation of rules from ICC and the BCCI was witnessed when the curator allowed the reporters to inspect the pitch themselves. When asked if he could prepare the pitch in regards to two players wanting extra bounce, Salgaonkar replied by saying “it will be done”.

The curator claimed that the pitch for the second ODI on Wednesday is expected to witness a run-fest, with teams being able to put up 337-340 runs ‘either way’. The curator is also reported to have claimed that a target of 337 will be chaseable.“We will look into the matter. Rest assured, if anyone found guilty, strict action will be taken,” Abhay Apte, the president of MCA was quoted as saying by India Today.