COA chief Vinod Rai defends ACU after Pune curator controversy

In the sting operation, Salgaoncar 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.

Courtesy: PTI

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

In the sting operation by India Today TV, Salgaoncar 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," said Rai here today.

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 upon it accordingly."

Acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary said swift measures were taken after media reports surfaced, claiming that Salgaoncar 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," said Johri.