The second One-Day International between India and New Zealand at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune will go on as scheduled despite the controversy surrounding the pitch.
A sting operation conducted by television channel India Today showed pitch curator Pandurang Salgaoncar interacting with reporters posing as bookies. The footage reportedly shows Salgaoncar agreeing to prepare the pitch to suit two particular bowlers.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India’s acting president CK Khanna confirmed that Salgaoncar has been suspended and banned from entering the stadium until an investigation into the matter is completed.
“I have spoken with Maharashtra Cricket Association president Abhay Apte, who has already initiated an inquiry,” Khanna was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo. A neutral curator from Mumbai, Ramesh Mhamunkar, has taken charge of the ODI. “I don’t think there will be be any issue as far as the [conduct of the match is concerned,” Khanna added.
Neeraj Kumar, the head of the BCCI’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit, and the Maharashtra Cricke Association have been asked to submit reports to the board.
