Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) president Abhay Apte has confirmed that Pune pitch curator Pandurang Salgaoncar has been suspended after he allegedly agreed to tamper with the pitch ahead of the second ODI between India and New Zealand here at the MCA Stadium.
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.
Talking to ANI, Apte said, "Pandurang Salgaoncar has been put under suspension with immediate effect and all his work has been withdrawn, including his basic membership of the MCA."
Apte further stated that a detailed inquiry would be initiated.
Apte further maintained that there would be zero tolerance on such subjects from their side as well as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
For now, the BCCI's neutral curator from Mumbai has been given charge of the pitch, while the board's anti-corruption unit head, Neeraj Kumar, has been asked to submit his report on the matter.
The second ODI between India and New Zealand is being played today.
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