Baroda accused of 'pitch fixing' in Ranji Trophy by Jammu & Kashmir as shocking controversy erupts

The Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match between Baroda and Jammu & Kashmir was stopped for more than one hour on the morning of the third day's play. The decision was taken after the Jammu & Kashmir team claimed that Baroda did pitch-fixing to secure the victory in their final league match of the series.

Jammu and Kashmir won the toss and opted to bat. They scored 246 runs in their first innings of the match. Kanhaiya Wadhawan (71), Vivrant Sharma (43), Paras Dogra (43), and Nasir Lone (34) made useful contributions with the bat. For Baroda, Ninad Rathva took five wickets for 43 runs in his 10.3 overs.

Jammu & Kashmir Raises Concerns Over "Pitch Fixing" by Baroda

The Paras Dogra-led team secured a lead of 80 runs after dismissing the opposition for 166. Sahil Lotra took four wickets, while Abid Mushtaq and Shubham Khajuria picked up three wickets each. J&K ended the second day's play at 125/1, with Vivrant Sharma 17 (32) and Shubham Khajuria 67 (115) at the crease.

Ahead of the third day's play, the Jammu & Kashmir team raised concerns over "pitch fixing" by Baroda, which led to a delay in the play at Reliance Stadium in Vadodara. J&K claimed that the pitch on the morning of the third day appeared significantly different from the one used the previous day.

Official Reasoning for Delay - "Play Was Delayed Due to Pitch Dampness"

After discussions between the umpires, match referee, and J&K team management, the play was set to begin at 10:55 AM, as reported by ESPNCricinfo.

The Baroda Cricket Association official denied they tampered with the pitch. “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. 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.”

J&K Eliminates Baroda, Mumbai Poised for Knockout Qualification

The Ranji Trophy 2024-25 resumed on January 23 for the final two rounds of group-stage matches. Mumbai, the 42-time champions, suffered an unexpected loss to Jammu & Kashmir. Two teams from each group will qualify for the quarterfinals. The teams have almost secured their places for the next stages.

Mumbai defeated Meghalaya by an innings and 456 runs in their Ranji Trophy 2024-25 Elite Group A match at Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy in Mumbai on Saturday, February 1.

Shardul Thakur picked up four-wicket performances in both innings, helping secure the commanding win for the defending champions. The victory, including a bonus point, moved Mumbai to second in the points table. They will qualify for the knockouts if Baroda fails to beat Jammu & Kashmir in their match.

Also read: Watch: Shocking security breach! 3 Virat Kohli fans invade field, 20 guards forced to intervene