Veteran curator Pandurang Salgaonkar relieved after ICC pitch verdict

Pandurang Salgaonkar

Veteran curator Pandurang Salgaonkar said that the true picture was finally out, after the International Cricket Council (ICC) exonerated the former Maharashtra pacer of any corruption charges amidst allegations that he agreed to doctor the pitch before the India v New Zealand ODI in October at Pune's Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium. Salgaonkar, who fell prey to a sting operation, was handed a backdated six-month ban by the ICC for failing to report a corrupt approach. His ban ends on April 24.

"I have been a humble servant of cricket. For publicity and attention, undue allegations were made against me. The ICC investigation report clearly concludes that they have not found evidence of the alleged corruption charges made by India Today in October 2017. This was an extreme and unnecessary allegation and has impacted me mentally. I am thankful to the ICC for being non-discriminatory and conducting an extensive enquiry into the allegation and bringing the true picture in front of all," Salgaonkar said in a statement yesterday.

Salgaonkar justified why he failed to report to the ACU. "This was primary due to the fact that my wife was in critical condition after being hospitalised a day before the match and I was very busy preparing for the match which had me mentally and physically over-occupied. However, I accept and respect ICC's decision of ICC," he said.

One of Salgaonkar's family members confirmed to mid-day that he would return as curator once his ban is over. MCA president Abhay Apte said: "We will call a Managing Committee meeting to discuss ICC's decision. So, now it is proven that the Pune pitch was not for sale," said Apte, taking a dig at one of the headlines during the controversy which read 'Pune pitch for sale'.

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