India vs New Zealand 2017-18: MCA suspends Pandurang Salgaoncar as Pune curator following 2nd ODI pitch controversy

The news regarding the controversy surrounding the pitch at the MCA stadium in Pune during the 4th ODI between India and New Zealand has been doing rounds.

The controversy surrounding the pitch at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) stadium in Pune during the 4th ODI between India and New Zealand on Wednesday has been all over the news of late. Pune curator Pandurang Salgaoncar has been alleged of malpractice. In fact, he was caught on camera by undercover reporters from India Today for the same. Following the allegations, Salgaoncar was questioned by MCA. He was first suspended, then removed as MCA member. Meanwhile, the ICC has announced that it will send an Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) to probe into the issue and question Salgaoncar. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: India vs New Zealand 2017-18, 2nd ODI at Pune

On Salgaoncar’s suspension: “He has been suspended as curator and as also the MCA member because of any actions which might bring disrepute to the association. There will be an inquiry and depending upon the verdict a final decision will be taken. There was the issue about perception. There is an issue about faith, about trust, and it was not appropriate to let him continue in the job and it would be incorrect. Prima facie there is evidence and misconduct and hence he was suspended. If it is confirmed that there was [misconduct] then he will be removed. If it confirmed that was not the case, then he will be reinstated,” said an MCA official, as reported by ESPNCricinfo. IND vs NZ, 2nd ODI: ICC sends ACSU to investigate on pitch controversy

On reason behind suspending Salgaoncar: “MCA suspended him pending enquiry. We cannot terminate him without any proof and finding. And we cannot let him go just based on a perception that he had done something wrong,” said MCA President Abhay Apte.

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