Ramesh Mhamunkar might be questioned in the Pune pitch controversy

Ramesh Mhamunkar, the West Zone curator appointed by the BCCI is likely to be questioned in the Pune pitch controversy. Pandurang Salgaoncar was caught red-handed in a sting operation by India Today when the reporter was allowed to access the pitch. The curator also informed him about the likely behaviour of the surface in the second ODI between India and New Zealand. However, it is also being speculated that Mhamunkar should have stopped the reporter from entering the ground and access the pitch.

Salgaoncar was right away suspended by the Indian board after the stunning revelation which shocked the entire cricketing fraternity in the country. He was also banned from entering the ground during the match and the responsibility was handed over to Ramesh Mhamunkar to look after the proceedings of the game. Many former cricketers criticised the senior curator for revealing the details and demanded the strict action. The investigation is going on now as the International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided to look into the matter.

Why didn’t he stop Salgaoncar?

Ramesh is most likely to come under the scanner when the investigation goes deep as he didn’t object the undercover reporter from entering the stadium.

“Mhamunkar should have objected and stopped Salgaoncar from showing them the pitch. The BCCI curator appointed from the zone has to not only observe the pitch preparation, he also has to ensure no one else gets pitch access except authorized persons. Clearly, in this case, the guidelines have not been followed,” a source told Mid-day on Thursday.

“All BCCI curators are aware that no one gets pitch access apart from curators and ground staff. Mhamunkar should have been vigilant and stopped Salgaoncar from giving the access,” another source added. The president of Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Abhay Apte refused to comment anything but admitted that the issue was serious and assured that everyone involved would be investigated.

“This is a major issue and everyone involved in this will be investigated. The decision to suspend the curator was taken within seconds by me as the match was to begin. There was no meeting called to take that decision. So, today (Thursday) we called for an urgent meeting to take the decision and everyone were unanimous,” he said.