According to sources the second one day International between India and New Zealand here became embroiled in controversy hours before its start with allegations of corruption against curator Pandurang Salgaoncar. Recently a television channel claims to have conducted a sting operation in which reporters posing as bookies approached the curator asking for a pitch which will favor the fast bowlers of one of the competing teams.
The curator is seen and heard on camera agreeing to the demands. "It will be done". Salgaoncar said "It is a very good pitch on which 337 runs will be chaseable. There is no doubt about it". Salgaoncar and others are also seen walking on the pitch. "It's not allowed still we did it. The BCCI observer is also sitting around".
He added that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has promised swift action on the issue. BCCI Acting Secretary Amitabh Chaudhary said "We will take the strictest action. I am not yet aware of the full thing". He said "It a very serious matter. Whoever is responsible will be dealt with properly, there is no doubt about that. There is zero tolerance for such things.
