In what will go down as an ignominious chapter in India's Test history, Chris Broad, the International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee for the Test series between India and Australia, has rated the Maharashtra Cricket Association International Stadium as "poor" in his report.
According to a media statement issued by the ICC, "Broad, in accordance with clause 3 of the ICC pitch and outfield monitoring process, submitted his report to the ICC in which he expressed concern over the quality of the pitch."
The first Test match ended in two and a half days, with Australia bundling out the famed Indian batting line-up twenty minutes after the start of the third session on third day. 16 wickets fell on the second and third days.
The report has been forwarded to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which now has 14 days to respond.
As per ICC, "BCCI’s response will be reviewed by ICC’s general manager, Geoff Allardice, and Ranjan Madugalle from the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC match referees. The matter will be decided in accordance with clause 4 of the process."
As per the ICC's pitch and outfield monitoring process in place for Test cricket, following are the sanctions for substandard pitches and /or outfields: "For pitches and/or outfields rated as poor, the following penalty shall be imposed: First occasion — A warning and/or fine not exceeding USD 15,000 given together with a directive for appropriate corrective action. Second or further occasions within a period of five years of the previous finding — A fine not exceeding USD 30,000 given together with a directive for appropriate corrective action."
