Making loose and thoughtless statements has been a hallmark of Pandurang Salgaoncar's career, be it as a selector or a curator. He had got away for most part of his career post his days as a player. But yesterday, it cost him his job after a sting operation done by a news channel caught him giving information about the pitch and allegedly agreeing to prepare one that would suit a couple of (unnamed) fast bowlers. The controversy broke on the morning of the India v NZ ODI yesterday. The BCCI suspended Salgaoncar. He has also been banned from entering the stadium. Ramesh Mhamunkar, a member of the BCCI's grounds and pitches committee, was put in charge of the Pune pitch.

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