Twitterati reacts to the 'pitch-fixing' allegations, slams the curator

The cricketing world received a major jolt ahead of the 2nd ODI match between India and New Zealand. Maharashtra Cricket Association’s pitch curator Pandurang Salgaonkar has been exposed by India Today after he revealed sensitive details about the surface for the game between the two sides. Salgaonkar has been barred from entering the stadium and Ramesh Mamunkar will take charge on the former’s absence.

In the released video clip, the curator can be seen talking to the reporters and passing on details. Salgaonkar also adds that the wicket is going to be a high scoring one and anything around 330 plus will be easily chaseable. He also tells the reporters that as per rules set by the ICC and BCCI, no outsider is allowed to take a close look at the pitch.

BCCI responds

“After reports stating an alleged malpractice from the MCA (Maharashtra State Cricket Association) pitch curator, Mr Pandurang Salgaonkar, the MCA has dismissed Mr Salgaonkar from the position of Curator with immediate effect,” the board said.

“A strict action has been taken against the pitch curator and the employment relationship between Mr Pandurang Salgaonkar and MCA stands terminated,” the CEO Rahul Johri said. An inquiry will now take place into the events.

MCA president Abhay Apte said: “The MCA will be making a detailed inquiry on what has happened or what has appeared on the television. But before we have our urgent meeting, in the capacity of the MCA president, I have taken Mr Salgaoncar under immediate suspension with immediate effect and all his work has been withdrawn.”

Twitterati reacts

The world of social media was shocked after getting to kow about the incident. Many people believed that the bookies have moved on from match-fixing and spot-fixing and have now placed their bet on pitch fixing. Majority of the cricket fans expressed their views and wants the BCCI to ban the curator.