Pulwama, Feb 1: The Ranji Trophy Elite Group A match between Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) and Baroda cricket teams at the Reliance Stadium in Vadodara has been marred by controversy, as the visitors accused the hosts of pitch tampering.
The allegations popped up when J&K claimed the playing surface was altered overnight, leading to delayed play on day 3.
The dispute started when J&K’s coaching staff, led by Ajay Sharma, noticed a change in the pitch colour and raised concerns that it had been tampered with an aim to benefit Baroda. J&K formally raked up the issue to the umpires as well as the match referee.
With playoff qualification on the line, the match is crucial: a draw would be enough for J&K to secure a quarter-final spot, while Baroda needs an outright win.
J&K resumed their second innings at 125/1, with a 205-run lead, but play was delayed by 1.5 hours due to the pitch concerns.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) later clarified that the delay was caused by dampness on the pitch, which J&K disputed, maintaining that the surface had been deliberately altered. Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) officials dismissed the accusations as “baseless”, attributing the changes to winter moisture.
“The outfield was wet, and winter moisture affected the pitch,” a BCA official explained. “The umpire acknowledged this. Such conditions are typical during winter, and delays sometimes occur. Blaming the association for pitch tampering is unacceptable.” The BCA official further said they would take up the matter with the BCCI. Once the play resumed, J&K extended their lead to 314 runs before being bowled out for 284. Shubham Khajuria (94) and Kanhaiya Wadhawan (84) were the top scorers for J&K, while Baroda’s spin trio of Krunal Pandya, Mahesh Pithiya, and Ninad Rathva claimed three wickets each. Rathva, who had already taken five wickets in the first innings, continued his strong form. With J&K setting a challenging target of 365 runs, Baroda ended day 3 at 58/2, requiring 307 more runs to win.
