Video courtesy of: India Today
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has “dismissed” Pandurang Salgaoncar, the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) curator, for “malpractice”.
In an undercover sting operation conducted by India Today TV, the reporters, who were posing as bookies, spoke to Salgaoncar about the pitch for the second ODI between India and New Zealand.
The video shows Salgaoncar saying that the pitch – No. 8 of 15 – would be a batsman’s paradise.
“It is very good. It will garner 337 runs. And 337 will be chaseable,” Salgaoncar told the reporters.
In another clip, Salgaoncar said: “I told you, this will be a 340-run wicket, either way.”
The reporter responds by saying: “You’ve already said that. We will do betting on that. But the ****** [name of player or team] we want a favour for tomorrow’s match…”
Salgaoncar interrupts the reporter and replies: “That will be done good. I told you.”
BCCI acting president CK Khanna initially told ESPNcricinfo that Salgaoncar would be “suspended” and “barred” from entering the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, but the board decided to dismiss him with immediate effect.
“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,” a statement on the BCCI’s website said.
BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary said: “The BCCI has zero tolerance towards any activity that brings the game to disrepute. We have acted swiftly and ensured that there are no loopholes left ahead of the 2nd ODI between India and New Zealand.”
The board’s CEO, Rahul Johri, echoed Choudhary’s sentiments, saying: “A strict action has been taken against the pitch curator and the employment relationship between Mr Pandurang Salgaonkar and MCA stands terminated. The BCCI is in touch with the MCA and appropriate measures will be taken with regards to the matter. The BCCI will continue to enforce strict measures in case of such misconduct in the future.”
Committee of Administrators (CoA) chairman Vinod Rai added: “We are looking into the issue and in contact with the concerned officials. We have asked for a detailed report and will act upon it accordingly. At BCCI, we have zero tolerance towards any such activity.”
The International Cricket Council (ICC) have confirmed that they will launch an investigation into the matter.
“We are investigating the allegations from Pune this morning, as with all international cricket, the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit has an ICC ACU Manager on the ground in India and we are in close contact with him,” an ICC spokesperson told ESPNcricinfo. “We are now looking to establish the facts and will make no further comment whilst this is ongoing.”