Security Tightened for Kanpur ODI after Pitch Scandal Issue in Pune
Jan 6, 2019 at 3:51 AM
Following the alleged pitch tampering scandal at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association has increased the security around the surface at the Green Park in Kanpur which is the scheduled venue for the 3rd and the decisive ODI between India and New Zealand on Sunday.
UPCA Secretary Yudhvir Singh has instructed the security officials not to allow anyone inside the stadium without a valid pass. The groundsmen have also been ordered to not leak any information on the surface for the final ODI. BCCI curator Taposh Chatterjee will be in charge of the pitch preparations for the final ODI. The nature of the pitch was apparently disclosed ahead of the 2nd ODI, and the authorities are tightening the securities there isn’t a repeat of the incident.
“We have to be more careful after the incident in Pune. The police officials have been told that only individuals with valid accreditation can enter the stadium. This practice was already in place, but we are extra-cautious now,” Yudhvir Singh was quoted as saying by PTI.
“The groundsmen too have been instructed that they don’t need to discuss the nature of the pitch with anyone. What’s the need for that anyway,” Yudhvir added.
The extra security has been ensured after Pune curator Pandurang Salgoancar allegedly agreed to tamper with the pitch ahead of the 2nd encounter.
Shiv Kumar who as per reports were the former tubewell operator rose to be the curator at Green Park has now returned to the venue and is working as a helping hand in the preparation of the pitch but unofficially. Kumar was shifted to Ghazipur since three bookies were arrested by police due to tampering with playing conditions before an IPL match earlier in the year.
Meanwhile, it will be the very first time that Green Park in Kanpur will be hosting their first ever day-night encounter.