J&K Accuses Foul Play in Ranji Trophy, Alleges Pitch Tampering Overnight
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir have accused Baroda of pitch tampering during their 2025 Ranji Trophy match, alleging that the playing surface had been altered overnight. The controversy erupted on the third day of their crucial Group A encounter at the Reliance Stadium in Vadodara, leading to a significant delay in play. While J&K claimed the pitch appeared different from the previous day, Baroda denied any wrongdoing, attributing the changes to winter moisture.
The match held high stakes, with a draw sufficient for J&K to qualify for the playoffs, whereas Baroda needed an outright win to advance. J&K resumed their innings at 125/1 with a lead of 205 runs, but play was delayed by 1.5 hours due to concerns raised by J&K’s coaching staff. According to a report by The Indian Express, visiting coach Ajay Sharma noted a change in the colour of the pitch and suspected foul play. He formally raised the issue with umpires Pashchim Pathak and Ravi Teja, as well as match referee Arjan Kripal Singh.
After deliberations, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) stated that the delay was due to ‘dampness in the pitch.’ However, J&K continued to allege that the pitch had been tampered with to favour the home team. In response, a Baroda Cricket Association official dismissed the claims as “baseless,” explaining that moisture in the winter months often leads to a temporary change in pitch appearance.
“The outfield was wet, and due to winter, there was moisture on the pitch. Even the umpire acknowledged this. Those familiar with cricket understand that during winter, such conditions are common. Sometimes matches get delayed, but calling it pitch-fixing and blaming the association is unacceptable. We will be approaching the BCCI regarding the remarks made by the J&K coach,” the official was quoted as saying.
Despite the controversy, the match resumed, and J&K extended their lead to 314 runs before being bowled out for 234. Baroda’s spin trio of Krunal Pandya, Mahesh Pithiya, and Ninad Rathva played a decisive role, each taking three wickets. Rathva, who had already claimed a five-wicket haul in the first innings, continued his strong performance.
As the match progressed, J&K set a daunting 365-run target for Baroda. With both teams vying for a place in the quarter-finals, the game remained fiercely contested. The incident has added further intrigue to an already intense Ranji Trophy season, with potential repercussions should J&K escalate their complaints to the BCCI.
