J&K level big charge on Pandya’s Baroda, accuses team of pitch-tampering in Ranji Trophy clash

Ranji Trophy: J&K is on the brink of knocking out Baroda from the competition, and lead the latter by 364 runs.

Despite being in a strong position, in the J&K vs Baroda Ranji Trophy match, the Paras Dogra-led side has levelled serious charges against Krunal Pandya-led Baroda. The team who is most likely to make the cut for the playoffs, have raised an official ‘pitch tampering’ complaint to the match referee, as per a report in Indian Express.

J&K Accuse Baroda of Pitch Tampering

It all happened when J&K coach Ajay Sharma noticed a visible change in the colour of the pitch, and levelled charge, that the pitch had been tampered with. He raised the issue with on-field umpires Pashchim Pathak and Ravi Teja and also with the match referee Arjan Kripal Singh, the report further stated.

Meanwhile, the BCA official has denied any wrongdoing. “The allegations made by the J&K coach are baseless. The outfield was wet and due to winter there was moisture on the pitch and even the outfield was wet. The umpire too felt the same. Anyone who has played cricket will understand that during winter there is moisture on the pitch and sometimes the outfield takes time to dry.

Krunal Pandya’s Team Denies Allegations

“Sometimes matches are delayed but calling it as pitch-fixed and blaming the association for this, we will not accept these allegations. We will be approaching the BCCI for remarks made by the coach.” The entire incident delayed the start of the match, as the game resumed at 10.55 am.

As far as the Ranji Trophy points table is concerned, Baroda are in a tricky spot to make it to the next round. Mumbai, after beating Meghalaya are through, and if this match is without a result then J&K go through. For Baroda to go through, they need an outright win here.