Vinod Rai Defends BCCI’s Anti-Corruption Unit in Pitch Incident

MCA curator Pandurang Salgaonkar has been suspended for allegedly claiming that he can tamper with the Pune pitch.

File photo of Vinod Rai.

(Photo: PTI)

COA chief Vinod Rai defended the BCCI's anti-corruption unit, saying a three-member team can't be everywhere, after the board suspended MCA curator Pandurang Salgaonkar for allegedly claiming that he could tamper with the pitch ahead of the India-New Zealand ODI in Pune.

In the sting operation by India Today (TV), Salgaonkar is seen and heard speaking to an undercover reporter, who poses as a bookie, while standing on the pitch of the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium on the eve of the second One-day International.

There were irregularity on all fronts so a full scale inquiry has been ordered. ACU (headed by former cop Neeraj Kumar) has only three people so they can’t be everywhere.

Vinod Rai

The MCA has suspended Salgaonkar with immediate effect with the BCCI appointing curator Ramesh Mhamunkar as the point person for the centre wicket and the field of play for the second ODI between India and New Zealand.

In the BCCI statement, 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 on it accordingly.

Acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary said swift measures were taken after media reports surfaced, claiming that Salgaonkar was seen agreeing to tamper with the pitch to suit the requirements put forth by the reporter in an undercover sting.

"We have acted swiftly and ensured that there are no loopholes left ahead of the 2nd ODI between India and New Zealand," said Choudhary.

BCCI CEO Rahul Johri too echoed similar views:

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.

Also Read: MCA to Conduct Inquiry Into Curator’s Pitch Tampering Sting

(With inputs from PTI)

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