The BCCI, file photo
The BCCI, file photo
For the second time this year, the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) stadium pitch has come in the news for the wrong reason.
In February, the ICC match referee Chris Broad termed the surface as “poor” in his report to ICC after the spin-dominated Test ended inside three days in favour of Australia. Its curator Pandurang Salgaoncar came in for a flak for rolling out a rank turner that left the host association and the BCCI red-faced.
Just over eight months down the line, Salgaoncar and the pitch again are in the spotlight after a sting operation by a TV channel claimed that the curator was willing to “tamper” with the pitch.
Salgaoncar, a former Maharashtra pace bowler who was considered an India prospect in his time, the Board of Control for Cricket in India and the MCA seem to have acted to douse the fire.
Salgaoncar was suspended from his duties with immediate effect and his membership from the MCA was withdrawn pending an enquiry.
“Since morning there has been some news which is appearing on TV on a very disturbing subject,” said MCA president Abhay Apte, addressing the media at press box with less than an hour go for the match.
“So I have to tell that the MCA, of course BCCI and CoA (Committee of Administrators) have zero tolerance for such subjects. So MCA will be making a detailed enquiry on what has happened or what has appeared on the television but before we have our urgent meeting, I, in the capacity of president of Maharashtra Cricket Association, have suspended Mr Salgaoncar with immediate effect and all his work contracts have been withdrawn, including his basic membership as MCA member.”
Broad, incidentally the match referee for this match again, inspected the pitch and gave the green signal for the match to go ahead.
The BCCI was also quick to react to the latest controversy. “Salgaoncar has been suspended and he has been banned from entering the stadium till the report of the enquiry has been submitted,” said BCCI president CK Khanna.
“… The BCCI's neutral curator from Mumbai (Mamunkar) has taken charge and so I don't think there will be any issue as far as the (conduct of the match) is concerned. Neeraj Kumar (the head of the BCCI's ACSU) and the Maharashtra CA have also been asked to submit their reports to the BCCI,” he said.
Fast facts:
Who is Salgaoncar? A former Maharashtra paceman, who was once considered a genuine India prospect in early and mid '70s. He toured with the Indian team for an unofficial series against Sri Lanka back in 1974. Sunil Gavaskar's autobiography 'Sunny Days' has a mention of him being a genuine prospect who was unlucky not to don national colours. He claimed 214 wickets in 63 first-class games.
Other reactions:
Vinod Rai, Chairman of the CoA: 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.
Amitabh Choudhary, Acting Secretary BCCI: 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.
Rahul Johri, CEO, BCCI: 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.