'Two Curators From BCCI Came...': MPCA President Breaks Silence On Indore Pitch Controversy

ICC match referee rated Indore pitch as "poor" and gave it three demerit points, leaving it on the verge of getting suspended.

MPCA president Abhilash Khandekar broke his silence over Indore pitch getting "poor" verdict from the apex board. ( Image Source :Getty Images )

The fourth and final Test of four-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy is all set to get underway from tomorrow but fans and critics still can't get over the controversy surrounding Indore pitch -- venue of Ind vs Aus 3rd Test which received immense criticism throughout three days of action.

In this match, 31 wickets fell in seven sessions, out of which, 26 wickets were taken by spinners, courtesy of prodigious turn produced by Indore track. On Day 3, Australia achieved a 9-wicket win over India. ICC match referee later rated the pitch as "poor" and gave it three demerit points, leaving it on the verge of getting suspended.

In an exclusive interview with Times of India, MPCA president Abhilash Khandekar broke his silence over Indore pitch getting "poor" verdict from the apex board.

“Two curators from BCCI had come eight to ten days before the match. The pitch was prepared under their supervision. The MPCA had no role in making the pitch,” he told Times of India.

“I want to make it clear that just like any other state board association in international matches, MPCA has no role in making the pitch. BCCI curators come and they get the direction from BCCI along with the Indian team management."

“As far as match finishing in three days is concerned, we have seen such of matches in Nagpur and Delhi also. There has been criticism of the pitch but if you will see the post-match conference, both captains have supported the pitch so we have nothing to add,” Khandekar said.

Rohit Sharma & Co. need to win the final Test against Australia to seal series 3-1, qualify for WTC Final this year. If India wins IND vs AUS 4th Test in Ahmedabad, they will enter WTC final.

If Ind vs Aus Ahmedabad Test ends in a draw, India will still have a chance to make it to WTC Final but for that to happen, Sri Lanka must not whitewash New Zealand.

If India loses 4th Test, their chances of qualifying for WTC Final will depend on result of Sri Lanka and New Zealand. New Zealand must beat Sri Lanka in both the Test matches and win the series 2-0 for India to qualify.