Post Pune fiasco, foolproof security for Green Park pitch

Kanpur, October 27 

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Following the Pune pitch controversy, the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) has beefed up security around the 22-yard strip for the third ODI between India and New Zealand here on Sunday. 

UPCA acting secretary Yudhvir Singh said the security officials at the Green Park Stadium have been instructed to not allow anyone into the venue without a valid pass. The groundsmen, too, have been strictly instructed not to discuss the nature of the pitch with anyone.

BCCI curator Taposh Chatterjee is overseeing the pitch preparations for the crucial game. “We have to be more careful after the incident in Pune,” said Singh. “The police officials have been told that only individuals with valid accreditation can enter the stadium. This practice was already in place but we are extra cautious now.” 

“The groundsmen, too, have been instructed that they don’t need to discuss the nature of the pitch with anyone. What’s the need for that anyway?” Singh added.

The extra vigil here comes after the suspension of Pune curator Pandurang Salgaoncar, who allegedly agreed to tamper with the pitch ahead of the second ODI in Pune. The Green Park will host its first ever ODI under lights on Sunday.  — PTI