In a sensational development ahead of the crucial second One-Day International between India and New Zealand, a sting operation from India Today has exposed Pune pitch curator, Pandurang Salgaonkar revealing the highly confidential inside information to reporters disguised as bookies.
The news outlet stated the report just a day before the second ODI of the three-match series, scheduled on Wednesday (October 25) at the same venue.
Salgaonkar was caught red-handed on camera, speaking to the disguised reporters where he revealed that the pitch would get prepared according to their (‘bookies’) demands. As per the rules, no outsiders except the officials can come inside the stadium or inspect the pitch ahead of any match.
However, Salgaonkar not only revealed the details of the pitch but also took the outsiders near the surface. Salgaonkar went on to agree when the reporters said that a couple of players wanted some bounce on the wicket before mentioning that the wicket will be a 350+ one.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Cricket Association president Abhay Apte has promised to look into the matter.
“We will look into the matter. Rest assured, if anyone found guilty, strict action will be taken,” Apte was quoted as saying by India Today.
The latest development will be a big blow to BCCI’s desperate measures of curbing the fixing menace. Four years ago, the Indian cricket got rocked when three players including World Cup-winning bowler S Sreesanth got banned for life for spot-fixing.
Video of the Day
Meanwhile, the Pune pitch can also face the heat after the latest developments. Earlier this year, the turf had made the headlines for all the wrong reasons when Australia stunned India by 333 runs in what was the first-ever Test at the venue.
The match had ended in the post-tea session of day three after Australia bowled the hosts out for 105 and 107. The pitch was later given a “poor” rating by the ICC match referee, Chris Broad.