MCA not worried about match referee's concerns over Pune pitch in India-Aus Test

Pune: Despite receiving a lot of criticism from all quarters, the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) is not worried about the fact that Chris Broad, the match referee of the first Test between India and Australia in Pune, has reported the ‘poor’ condition of the pitch, here at the MCA stadium.

According to Australia’s legendary leg spinner Shane Warne’s analysis of the Pune pitch before the start of play on the first day of the Test, the pitch had not been watered for four days before the match, and looked like a fifth day wicket.

Subsequently, match referee Broad had reportedly termed the Pune pitch as “poor” in is report to the International Cricket Council (ICC).

A statement released by the ICC after the end of the first Test read, “Broad, in accordance with Clause 3 of the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process, submitted his report to the ICC in which he expressed concern over the quality of the pitch.”

Various media reports have also suggested that the ICC may ask the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to impose sanctions on the MCA stadium. However, MCA chief Abhay Apte is not worried about the repercussions of Broad’s report to the ICC.

“I don’t see that (the sanction) happening, frankly speaking, because of the reason that I have with me,” Apte said to the Indian Express. “As far as today’s issue is concerned, the BCCI hasn’t forwarded anything to us or called for our explanation.”

The MCA president further went on to explain that the state unit has an ‘adequate reply’ in store, if showcaused by the BCCI.

“If that is asked, we will definitely give details to them. I’m awaiting a communication from the BCCI. (And) We will give an adequate reply,” said Apte.

Former BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke, who was ousted from his post by the Supreme Court, had earlier called for a CBI investigation into the Pune pitch, even alleging that whole matter was a case of “pitch-fixing”.

“The Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium pitch has always been seamer-friendly. If you check the Ranji Trophy record (at this venue), it will be evident. Just three-four weeks ago, over 700 runs had been scored in an ODI (between India and England),” Shirke had said. “Now suddenly what happened to the very same curator! Did he go mad? Did he lose his sense? Was he intoxicated? What happened?

“Let us get to the bottom of pitch-fixing in this era of transparency and accountability. Let there be a CBI inquiry and find out who spoke to whom.”