MCA curator Pandurang Salgaonkar dismissed over pitch-tampering row

The Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) has decided to dismiss Pandurang Salgaonkar from the position of the Pune pitch curator with immediate effect after he was found to be giving inside information to the reporters, disguised as bookies, ahead of the ongoing second ODI of the three-match series between India and New Zealand.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) appointed curator Ramesh Mhamunkar as the point person for the centre wicket and the ground immediately.

Meanwhile, International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee Chris Broad inspected the pitch ahead of the match and cleared it for the game to go ahead.

Vinod Rai, the chairman of the Committee of Administrators (CoA), was stern in his views and reiterated that a detailed enquiry would be made and the matter would be taken with utmost seriousness.

"We are looking into the issue and are 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," he said.

BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Chaudhary 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."

Rahul Johri, CEO of the BCCI, too echoed the same opinion.

"A strict action has been taken against the pitch curator and the employment relationship between 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," he said.

In a sting operation done by a leading news production house, Salgaonkar was caught on camera giving inside information to reporters disguised as bookies and revealing that the pitch will be made according to their ('bookies') demands.