The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has written to the apex body &ndash; the BCCI, seeking a ban on star broadcasters Harsha Bhogle and Simon Doull from commentating during the remainder of IPL 2025 matches at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, per the latest report. In an explosive yet strong letter to the BCCI, the CAB expressed reservations over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-harsha-bhogle-simon-doull-unhappy-with-kkr-pitch-curator-for-disrespecting-ajinkya-rahane-8895205" rel="dofollow">Bhogle and Doull&rsquo;s remarks criticising the Eden pitch curator</a> Sujan Mukherjee.
It all began following Kolkata Knight Riders&rsquo; (KKR) tournament opener against RCB at the Eden Gardens, which the visitors won by seven wickets. After the KKR pitch curator denied preparing a spin-friendly track and instead offered the one where seamers had more purchase, team captain Ajinkya Rahane showed displeasure over the same during the post-match presentation.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-central-contract-list-abhishek-sharma-harshit-rana-among-newcomers-added-shreyas-iyer-ishan-kishan-back-rohit-kohli-bumrah-check-full-list-8985078" rel="dofollow">BCCI central contract list: Abhishek Sharma among newcomers added; Iyer, Kishan are back - Check full list</a>
Speaking on the same lines, TV broadcasters Bhogle and Doull slammed the KKR pitch curator (after KKR&rsquo;s away win against Rajasthan Royals) for not listening to the home team&rsquo;s demand, arguing that KKR should move their home matches outside the Eden Gardens and host them elsewhere.&nbsp;
&ldquo;...I saw something what the KKR curator has said. If I'm in the KKR camp, I'm extremely unhappy of what he said because I'm not asking for a 120 surface. I'm just saying, give me a surface where my bowlers can win matches. To say, 'Sorry, we don't prepare pitches like that...' No. We are not asking you to make a 120 pitch, we are not asking you to make a 240 pitch.&nbsp;
&ldquo;But I think home advantage in a tournament like IPL is absolutely legitimate. That will enhance the tournament because winning away becomes crucial then," Bhogle said in a Cricbuzz show.
Meanwhile, Simon Doull went one step ahead, saying, &ldquo;If he's not taking heed of what the home team wants... I mean, they are paying the stadium fees, they are paying for what's going on in the IPL, but if he's still not paying heed to what the home team wants, then just move the franchise away to somewhere else.
"His job is not to pass an opinion on the game. That's not what he's paid for,&rdquo; he added.&nbsp;
<h2>'He's just following BCCI's rule book' - CAB on KKR pitch curator</h2>
Although there was plenty of two and fro surrounding this earlier, where Sujan first denied rejecting Rahane&rsquo;s plea to prepare spin-friendly tracks in home matches to later admitting doing away with that, claiming <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-kkr-pitch-curator-does-u-turn-in-ajinkya-rahane-episode-says-those-who-are-accusing-me-sujan-mukherjee-8898729" rel="dofollow">he just followed BCCI&rsquo;s guidelines</a>, the CAB has thrown its weight behind him for the same reason.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-coach-chandrakant-pandit-backs-ajinkya-rahane-over-eden-gardens-pitch-controversy-bats-for-favourable-home-conditions-kkr-vs-mi-8907831" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025: KKR coach backs Rahane over &lsquo;Eden Gardens pitch controversy&rsquo;, bats for &lsquo;favourable home conditions&rsquo;</a>
CAB argues that Sujan followed the BCCI&rsquo;s rule book, which states that no IPL franchise shall have a say in deciding a wicket&rsquo;s nature anywhere, let&nbsp;alone at home.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, the report further suggests that BCCI hasn't responded to the letter yet, adding neither Bhogle nor Doull will be present at the venue for the side&rsquo;s home game against Gujarat Titans on Monday (Apr 21).&nbsp;
Sujan, however, commented on this matter earlier, saying, "I do not have to bother about what Harsha Bhogle or Simon Doull said. What matters to me is what the spectators and my association say about the wicket. I am accountable to the BCCI for producing a good sporting wicket."
(With inputs from agencies)

In an explosive yet strong letter to the BCCI, the CAB expressed reservations over Bhogle and Doull’s remarks criticising the Eden pitch curator. Sports, Cricket

The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has written to the apex body – the BCCI, seeking a ban on star broadcasters Harsha Bhogle and Simon Doull from commentating during the remainder of IPL 2025 matches at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, per the latest report. In an explosive yet strong letter to the BCCI, the CAB expressed reservations over Bhogle and Doull’s remarks criticising the Eden pitch curator Sujan Mukherjee. It all began following Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) tournament opener against RCB at the Eden Gardens, which the visitors won by seven wickets. After the KKR pitch curator denied preparing a spin-friendly track and instead offered the one where seamers had more purchase, team captain Ajinkya Rahane showed displeasure over the same during the post-match presentation. Also read | BCCI central contract list: Abhishek Sharma among newcomers added; Iyer, Kishan are back - Check full list Speaking on the same lines, TV broadcasters Bhogle and Doull slammed the KKR pitch curator (after KKR’s away win against Rajasthan Royals) for not listening to the home team’s demand, arguing that KKR should move their home matches outside the Eden Gardens and host them elsewhere. “...I saw something what the KKR curator has said. If I'm in the KKR camp, I'm extremely unhappy of what he said because I'm not asking for a 120 surface. I'm just saying, give me a surface where my bowlers can win matches. To say, 'Sorry, we don't prepare pitches like that...' No. We are not asking you to make a 120 pitch, we are not asking you to make a 240 pitch. “But I think home advantage in a tournament like IPL is absolutely legitimate. That will enhance the tournament because winning away becomes crucial then," Bhogle said in a Cricbuzz show. Meanwhile, Simon Doull went one step ahead, saying, “If he's not taking heed of what the home team wants... I mean, they are paying the stadium fees, they are paying for what's going on in the IPL, but if he's still not paying heed to what the home team wants, then just move the franchise away to somewhere else. "His job is not to pass an opinion on the game. That's not what he's paid for,” he added. 'He's just following BCCI's rule book' - CAB on KKR pitch curator Although there was plenty of two and fro surrounding this earlier, where Sujan first denied rejecting Rahane’s plea to prepare spin-friendly tracks in home matches to later admitting doing away with that, claiming he just followed BCCI’s guidelines, the CAB has thrown its weight behind him for the same reason. Also read | IPL 2025: KKR coach backs Rahane over ‘Eden Gardens pitch controversy’, bats for ‘favourable home conditions’ CAB argues that Sujan followed the BCCI’s rule book, which states that no IPL franchise shall have a say in deciding a wicket’s nature anywhere, let alone at home. Meanwhile, the report further suggests that BCCI hasn't responded to the letter yet, adding neither Bhogle nor Doull will be present at the venue for the side’s home game against Gujarat Titans on Monday (Apr 21). Sujan, however, commented on this matter earlier, saying, "I do not have to bother about what Harsha Bhogle or Simon Doull said. What matters to me is what the spectators and my association say about the wicket. I am accountable to the BCCI for producing a good sporting wicket." (With inputs from agencies)

IPL 2025: Ban star commentators, demands Bengal cricket body over KKR pitch row - Report

There&rsquo;s plenty of chat about how the pitches prepared this season are not helping teams enjoy the home advantage in IPL 2025. After the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane first complained of how the Eden Gardens pitch for the tournament opener was not to the team&rsquo;s liking, assisting seamers more, others jumped onto it, with CSK, LSG and even DC putting their complaints forward. The BCCI has answered them all.
The drama surrounding the KKR pitch curator controversy took an ugly turn after Eden Gardens curator Sujan Mukherjee U-turned on denying any requests from the franchise, days after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-eden-gardens-curator-breaks-silence-on-kkrs-pitch-request-controversy-8906855" rel="dofollow">admitting to preparing the pitch (for the RCB clash) his way</a>, engaging everyone. It came to a point where renowned broadcasters <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-harsha-bhogle-simon-doull-unhappy-with-kkr-pitch-curator-for-disrespecting-ajinkya-rahane-8895205" rel="dofollow">Harsha Bhogle and Simon Doull openly criticised Sujan for not working in tandem with KKR&rsquo;s directives</a>.
Meanwhile, following Lucknow Super Giants &lsquo; home game against Punjab Kings earlier, the team mentor Zaheer Khan didn&rsquo;t mince his words in accepting that the pitch prepared for the clash that ended with the touring team winning by eight wickets failed to support LSG&rsquo;s bowling strengths, and never looked like being prepared by LSG curators.
&ldquo;What was a little disappointing for me here, considering it&rsquo;s a home game, and you know, in IPL, you&rsquo;ve seen how teams have looked at taking a little bit of home advantage, you know,&rdquo; Zaheer said after his team lost in a one-sided contest against PBKS. &ldquo;From that point of view, you&rsquo;ve seen the curator is not really thinking that it&rsquo;s a home game. I think maybe it looked like, you know, it was (the) Punjab curator out here.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/mohammed-siraj-credits-gt-coach-ashish-nehra-for-finding-form-on-emotional-return-to-bengaluru-in-ipl-2025-rcb-8919462" rel="dofollow">Siraj credits GT coach Nehra for finding form on emotional return to Bengaluru in IPL 2025</a>
Besides KKR and LSG, Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming also expressed his reservations over Chepauk&rsquo;s wicket for the RCB tie (which CSK lost), with a Times of India (TOI) report suggesting that Delhi Capitals were also unhappy with how the pitch in Vizag (their second home venue) behaved in their first two matches.
<h2>No team, no player has any say in pitch preparation</h2>
Meanwhile, the BCCI has instructed the Delhi management that the board&rsquo;s designated curator has the ultimate authority, and neither the franchise nor the players have any say in pitch preparation.
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-buttler-serves-it-hot-as-gujarat-hand-royal-challengers-bengaluru-eight-wicket-loss-8918831" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025: Buttler serves it hot as Gujarat hand Royal Challengers Bengaluru eight-wicket loss</a>
&ldquo;The pitches have been good so far. Hence, they may be asking for pitches that have more help for bowlers. But there needs to be better communication between the franchise and the curators. It can&rsquo;t happen within a week of the IPL season,&rdquo; a BCCI source said as quoted by TOI.&nbsp;
&ldquo;As far as Lucknow is considered, the square needs to be re-laid to alter the basic nature of the pitch, which is intrinsically slow in nature. According to BCCI guidelines, it needs to have a good grass cover to sustain itself through the tournament. The same goes for all other venues,&rdquo; the source said while speaking of concerns around the Lucknow pitch.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket, Sports: Reports also suggest that Delhi Capitals were also unhappy with how the pitch in Vizag (their second home venue) behaved in their first two matches.

There’s plenty of chat about how the pitches prepared this season are not helping teams enjoy the home advantage in IPL 2025. After the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane first complained of how the Eden Gardens pitch for the tournament opener was not to the team’s liking, assisting seamers more, others jumped onto it, with CSK, LSG and even DC putting their complaints forward. The BCCI has answered them all. The drama surrounding the KKR pitch curator controversy took an ugly turn after Eden Gardens curator Sujan Mukherjee U-turned on denying any requests from the franchise, days after admitting to preparing the pitch (for the RCB clash) his way, engaging everyone. It came to a point where renowned broadcasters Harsha Bhogle and Simon Doull openly criticised Sujan for not working in tandem with KKR’s directives. Meanwhile, following Lucknow Super Giants ‘ home game against Punjab Kings earlier, the team mentor Zaheer Khan didn’t mince his words in accepting that the pitch prepared for the clash that ended with the touring team winning by eight wickets failed to support LSG’s bowling strengths, and never looked like being prepared by LSG curators. “What was a little disappointing for me here, considering it’s a home game, and you know, in IPL, you’ve seen how teams have looked at taking a little bit of home advantage, you know,” Zaheer said after his team lost in a one-sided contest against PBKS. “From that point of view, you’ve seen the curator is not really thinking that it’s a home game. I think maybe it looked like, you know, it was (the) Punjab curator out here.” Also read | Siraj credits GT coach Nehra for finding form on emotional return to Bengaluru in IPL 2025 Besides KKR and LSG, Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming also expressed his reservations over Chepauk’s wicket for the RCB tie (which CSK lost), with a Times of India (TOI) report suggesting that Delhi Capitals were also unhappy with how the pitch in Vizag (their second home venue) behaved in their first two matches. No team, no player has any say in pitch preparation Meanwhile, the BCCI has instructed the Delhi management that the board’s designated curator has the ultimate authority, and neither the franchise nor the players have any say in pitch preparation. Also read | IPL 2025: Buttler serves it hot as Gujarat hand Royal Challengers Bengaluru eight-wicket loss “The pitches have been good so far. Hence, they may be asking for pitches that have more help for bowlers. But there needs to be better communication between the franchise and the curators. It can’t happen within a week of the IPL season,” a BCCI source said as quoted by TOI. “As far as Lucknow is considered, the square needs to be re-laid to alter the basic nature of the pitch, which is intrinsically slow in nature. According to BCCI guidelines, it needs to have a good grass cover to sustain itself through the tournament. The same goes for all other venues,” the source said while speaking of concerns around the Lucknow pitch. (With inputs from agencies)

Pitch Controversy: BCCI draws line after teams complain of ‘lack of home advantage’ in IPL 2025

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/kolkata-knight-riders-kkr" rel="dofollow">Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)</a> head coach Chandrakant Pandit has backed team captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ajinkya-rahane" rel="dofollow">Ajinkya Rahane</a> in batting for favourable playing conditions at home in IPL 2025 amid Eden Gardens pitch controversy. Days after Rahane spoke openly about wanting home pitches favouring his bowling attack after earlier reports of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-kkr-pitch-curator-does-u-turn-in-ajinkya-rahane-episode-says-those-who-are-accusing-me-sujan-mukherjee-8898729" rel="dofollow">KKR pitch curator Sujan Mukherjee denying accepting any such request</a> made headlines, team coach Pandit said who wouldn&rsquo;t be happy about that.
KKR has played two matches thus far this season, losing one (against RCB in the tournament opener) and winning the other against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati.&nbsp;
With them playing host to Mumbai Indians (MI) in another marquee match this season on Monday, the KKR coach said he would love to have the pitch (on offer) that benefits his team but agrees he or even the management has no control over preparing it during any stage in the competition.
"Who will not be happy about that? I mean, this is a simple answer," Pandit replied when asked if all IPL teams should be allowed to have a say in conditions for the home matches.&nbsp;
"See, as a coach, as a team management, whatever the surface has been provided to us, we play. The control, of course, that will be under [the] curator. And at this moment, the focus is definitely going to be on the next game tomorrow, which we are playing [against MI]," he added.
<h2>Pandit denies team&rsquo;s role in deciding pitch&rsquo;s nature</h2>
Although several prominent names in the cricket world, including broadcasters Harsha Bhogle and Simon Doull, have voiced for teams being right in asking for favourable conditions for their home games in this cash-rich league, the KKR head coach denied his team or franchise&rsquo;s role in deciding everything that happens on the ground.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-who-is-aniket-verma-srh-newest-star-the-rookie-batter-who-loves-hitting-sixes-for-fun-dc-8907671" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025: Who is Aniket Verma, SRH&rsquo;s newest star who loves hitting sixes for fun</a>
&ldquo;No. In charge of everything at the ground&hellip; I don't know. That doesn't mean that they [the franchises] have control of preparing wickets. I mean, ultimately, I don't know what is the system in different states or different grounds, whether the control is with the franchise.&nbsp;
&ldquo;But, at the moment, what I understand is the surface which is given to us, as a team management, as a coach, as a captain, probably we expect something [helpful] to be provided. So, that's all,&rdquo; he continued.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, KKR pitch curator Mukherjee revealed what happened behind the scenes.
"As per the BCCI guidelines, it is clearly mentioned that the pitch and ground preparation for all IPL regular season matches is the responsibility of the chief curator of the host association under the guidance from the BCCI-appointed venue curator, and they will be the sole decision-maker regarding the nomination of practice and match pitches, as is the case for first-class matches in India," Mukherjee said in a chat with RevSportz.&nbsp;
"It is also instructed that the franchises and players shall not have any say in the preparation of the wicket. The BCCI chief curator is available to give any advice that is required, and will also be able to intervene if any issues arise,&rdquo; he continued.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket, Sports: KKR has played two matches thus far this season, losing one (against RCB in the tournament opener) and winning the other against Rajasthan Royals.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head coach Chandrakant Pandit has backed team captain Ajinkya Rahane in batting for favourable playing conditions at home in IPL 2025 amid Eden Gardens pitch controversy. Days after Rahane spoke openly about wanting home pitches favouring his bowling attack after earlier reports of KKR pitch curator Sujan Mukherjee denying accepting any such request made headlines, team coach Pandit said who wouldn’t be happy about that. KKR has played two matches thus far this season, losing one (against RCB in the tournament opener) and winning the other against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati. With them playing host to Mumbai Indians (MI) in another marquee match this season on Monday, the KKR coach said he would love to have the pitch (on offer) that benefits his team but agrees he or even the management has no control over preparing it during any stage in the competition. "Who will not be happy about that? I mean, this is a simple answer," Pandit replied when asked if all IPL teams should be allowed to have a say in conditions for the home matches. "See, as a coach, as a team management, whatever the surface has been provided to us, we play. The control, of course, that will be under [the] curator. And at this moment, the focus is definitely going to be on the next game tomorrow, which we are playing [against MI]," he added. Pandit denies team’s role in deciding pitch’s nature Although several prominent names in the cricket world, including broadcasters Harsha Bhogle and Simon Doull, have voiced for teams being right in asking for favourable conditions for their home games in this cash-rich league, the KKR head coach denied his team or franchise’s role in deciding everything that happens on the ground. Also read | IPL 2025: Who is Aniket Verma, SRH’s newest star who loves hitting sixes for fun “No. In charge of everything at the ground… I don't know. That doesn't mean that they [the franchises] have control of preparing wickets. I mean, ultimately, I don't know what is the system in different states or different grounds, whether the control is with the franchise. “But, at the moment, what I understand is the surface which is given to us, as a team management, as a coach, as a captain, probably we expect something [helpful] to be provided. So, that's all,” he continued. Meanwhile, KKR pitch curator Mukherjee revealed what happened behind the scenes. "As per the BCCI guidelines, it is clearly mentioned that the pitch and ground preparation for all IPL regular season matches is the responsibility of the chief curator of the host association under the guidance from the BCCI-appointed venue curator, and they will be the sole decision-maker regarding the nomination of practice and match pitches, as is the case for first-class matches in India," Mukherjee said in a chat with RevSportz. "It is also instructed that the franchises and players shall not have any say in the preparation of the wicket. The BCCI chief curator is available to give any advice that is required, and will also be able to intervene if any issues arise,” he continued. (With inputs from agencies)

IPL 2025: KKR coach backs Rahane over ‘Eden Gardens pitch controversy’, bats for ‘favourable home conditions’

Plenty is brewing up in the KKR pitch curator controversy since it broke the internet with startling revelations. After Kolkata Knight Riders&rsquo; seven-wicket loss at home against the touring Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2025 opener, team captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ajinkya-rahane" rel="dofollow">Ajinkya Rahane</a> expressed preferences of having desired pitches (spin-friendly) at Eden Gardens, with several reports claiming that the KKR pitch curator denied accepting any requests in the first place.
Relying on their master spin attack to win IPL matches, as they have always done, the Kolkata side failed to pocket two crucial points after the KKR pitch curator prepared a contrasting track (for that game), which had pace, bounce and seam movement but nothing that the team captain had asked for.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-lsg-sanjeev-goenka-hugs-team-captain-rishabh-pant-in-heartfelt-moment-watch-srh-8900067" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025: LSG owner Sanjeev Goenka hugs team captain Pant in heartfelt moment &ndash; Watch</a>
&ldquo;As per the IPL rules and regulations, franchises have no say over the pitch,&rdquo; Sujan Mukherjee, the KKR pitch curator, said in a chat with RevSportz. &ldquo;Ever since I have taken charge (as Eden curator), the pitches here have been like this. It was like this in the past. Things haven&rsquo;t changed now, and it will not be altered in the future.&rdquo;
Such remarks led to a backlash, with famous broadcasters <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-harsha-bhogle-simon-doull-unhappy-with-kkr-pitch-curator-for-disrespecting-ajinkya-rahane-8895205" rel="dofollow">Harsha Bhogle and Simon Doull coming down hard on him for bossing around</a> and denying the home team captain&rsquo;s request.&nbsp;
Although <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-kkr-pitch-curator-does-u-turn-in-ajinkya-rahane-episode-says-those-who-are-accusing-me-sujan-mukherjee-8898729" rel="dofollow">Mukherjee took a U-turn</a> when approached about his thoughts on facing wrath from all quarters, saying, &lsquo;he never denied anything (to KKR) and that he prepared the pitch as per BCCI guidelines,&rsquo; a former Bengal batter Shreevats Goswami&rsquo;s social media post further put the pitch curator controversy in the limelight.
<h2>What did Goswami say?</h2>
Taking to his social media handle X, Goswami wrote what unfolded was not new to him as he had watched everything happening from close quarters.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Fact: Nothing new with the Eden garden curator not listening to the home captain. Having played for Bengal over a decade, have been witness to this from close quarters. As a home team we would ask for a certain pitch to take the home advantage but would seldom get it. In fact, the curator wouldn&rsquo;t even let us train in the Eden Gardens, run rounds cause apparently the &ldquo;grass would spoiled &ldquo;. On the other hand I would see my counterpart Karnataka&nbsp;players running around in Chinnaswamy Stadium! #EdenGardens #curator #KKR #pitch
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m8spc0lx-8w1wtqqd-9v1f7u0w">
Fact : Nothing new with the Eden garden curator not listening to the home captain. Having played for bengal over a decade,have been witness to this from close quarters. As a home team we would ask for a certain pitch to take the home advantage but would seldom get it.Infact the&hellip;
&mdash; Shreevats goswami (@shreevats1) <a href="https://twitter.com/shreevats1/status/1905289047289012253?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2025</a></blockquote>
Meanwhile, KKR won their second game against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati, winning two points.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket, Sports; Although Mukherjee took a U-turn when approached about his thoughts on this, Goswami’s X post further put the pitch curator controversy in the limelight.

Plenty is brewing up in the KKR pitch curator controversy since it broke the internet with startling revelations. After Kolkata Knight Riders’ seven-wicket loss at home against the touring Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2025 opener, team captain Ajinkya Rahane expressed preferences of having desired pitches (spin-friendly) at Eden Gardens, with several reports claiming that the KKR pitch curator denied accepting any requests in the first place. Relying on their master spin attack to win IPL matches, as they have always done, the Kolkata side failed to pocket two crucial points after the KKR pitch curator prepared a contrasting track (for that game), which had pace, bounce and seam movement but nothing that the team captain had asked for. Also read | IPL 2025: LSG owner Sanjeev Goenka hugs team captain Pant in heartfelt moment – Watch “As per the IPL rules and regulations, franchises have no say over the pitch,” Sujan Mukherjee, the KKR pitch curator, said in a chat with RevSportz. “Ever since I have taken charge (as Eden curator), the pitches here have been like this. It was like this in the past. Things haven’t changed now, and it will not be altered in the future.” Such remarks led to a backlash, with famous broadcasters Harsha Bhogle and Simon Doull coming down hard on him for bossing around and denying the home team captain’s request. Although Mukherjee took a U-turn when approached about his thoughts on facing wrath from all quarters, saying, ‘he never denied anything (to KKR) and that he prepared the pitch as per BCCI guidelines,’ a former Bengal batter Shreevats Goswami’s social media post further put the pitch curator controversy in the limelight. What did Goswami say? Taking to his social media handle X, Goswami wrote what unfolded was not new to him as he had watched everything happening from close quarters. “Fact: Nothing new with the Eden garden curator not listening to the home captain. Having played for Bengal over a decade, have been witness to this from close quarters. As a home team we would ask for a certain pitch to take the home advantage but would seldom get it. In fact, the curator wouldn’t even let us train in the Eden Gardens, run rounds cause apparently the “grass would spoiled “. On the other hand I would see my counterpart Karnataka players running around in Chinnaswamy Stadium! #EdenGardens #curator #KKR #pitch Fact : Nothing new with the Eden garden curator not listening to the home captain. Having played for bengal over a decade,have been witness to this from close quarters. As a home team we would ask for a certain pitch to take the home advantage but would seldom get it.Infact the… — Shreevats goswami (@shreevats1) March 27, 2025 Meanwhile, KKR won their second game against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati, winning two points. (With inputs from agencies)

IPL 2025: Ex-Bengal batter backs claims against KKR pitch curator, says ‘Nothing new…’

It&rsquo;s been just one week into <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ipl-2025" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025</a>, and we already have drama surrounding pitches on offer making headlines. Days after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/kolkata-knight-riders" rel="dofollow">Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)</a> captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ajinkya-rahane" rel="dofollow">Ajinkya Rahane</a> openly admitted to not getting the pitch of his and his team&rsquo;s liking for the tournament opener against the RCB, with the reports suggesting that KKR&rsquo;s pitch curator denied any requests, Sujan Mukherjee, the man in question, took a U-turn in this matter, saying no one requested to alter its condition in the first place.
Earlier reports suggested that Rahane requested a spin-friendly track for the curtain raiser; Sujan outright denied making any changes to the one they played on, which was quick and assisted bounce, unlike how the Eden Gardens pitch usually behaved, aiding the spinners.&nbsp;
&ldquo;As per the IPL rules and regulations, franchises have no say over the pitch,&rdquo; Sujan said in a chat with RevSportz. &ldquo;Ever since I have taken charge (as Eden curator), the pitches here have been like this. It was like this in the past. Things haven&rsquo;t changed now, and it will not be altered in the future.&rdquo;
The aftermath of such remarks was loud, with several broadcasters, including Harsha Bhogle and Simon Doull, coming down hard on the KKR pitch curator, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-harsha-bhogle-simon-doull-unhappy-with-kkr-pitch-curator-for-disrespecting-ajinkya-rahane-8895205" rel="dofollow">accusing him of bossing around</a> despite the home side&rsquo;s captain requesting a change in pitch conditions.&nbsp;
Upon reaching out to him, Sujan took a U-turn on his earlier comments, saying he prepared the pitch per the BCCI guidelines and those who accused him know nothing about the situation.
"No official or player asked for the pitch requirement for the first match. A coach at the time of practice asked me about the behaviour of the pitch. I said &lsquo;ghumega bhi aur accha chalega (the pitch will turn, and it will be good for batting)," Sujan said in a chat with Sports Tak.
"I never denied anything to KKR. We have been in good relations for a long time. I prepared the pitch as per BCCI guidelines. Those who are accusing me know nothing," he added.
<h2>KKR&rsquo;s topsy-turvy start to IPL 2025</h2>
Defending IPL champions lost their first game to the touring RCB at the Eden Gardens the past Friday; however, they made it Even Stevens with their cracking win against Rajasthan Royals in their next match in Guwahati.&nbsp;
KKR will face former five-time winners Mumbai Indians in an away game on Saturday (Mar 29) before hosting the high-flying SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) at home on April 3. However, it remains to be seen what pitch would be on offer for his high-octane clash.
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket, Sports: Earlier reports suggested that Rahane requested a spin-friendly track but Sujan outright denied making any changes to the one they played on.

It’s been just one week into IPL 2025, and we already have drama surrounding pitches on offer making headlines. Days after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane openly admitted to not getting the pitch of his and his team’s liking for the tournament opener against the RCB, with the reports suggesting that KKR’s pitch curator denied any requests, Sujan Mukherjee, the man in question, took a U-turn in this matter, saying no one requested to alter its condition in the first place. Earlier reports suggested that Rahane requested a spin-friendly track for the curtain raiser; Sujan outright denied making any changes to the one they played on, which was quick and assisted bounce, unlike how the Eden Gardens pitch usually behaved, aiding the spinners. “As per the IPL rules and regulations, franchises have no say over the pitch,” Sujan said in a chat with RevSportz. “Ever since I have taken charge (as Eden curator), the pitches here have been like this. It was like this in the past. Things haven’t changed now, and it will not be altered in the future.” The aftermath of such remarks was loud, with several broadcasters, including Harsha Bhogle and Simon Doull, coming down hard on the KKR pitch curator, accusing him of bossing around despite the home side’s captain requesting a change in pitch conditions. Upon reaching out to him, Sujan took a U-turn on his earlier comments, saying he prepared the pitch per the BCCI guidelines and those who accused him know nothing about the situation. "No official or player asked for the pitch requirement for the first match. A coach at the time of practice asked me about the behaviour of the pitch. I said ‘ghumega bhi aur accha chalega (the pitch will turn, and it will be good for batting)," Sujan said in a chat with Sports Tak. "I never denied anything to KKR. We have been in good relations for a long time. I prepared the pitch as per BCCI guidelines. Those who are accusing me know nothing," he added. KKR’s topsy-turvy start to IPL 2025 Defending IPL champions lost their first game to the touring RCB at the Eden Gardens the past Friday; however, they made it Even Stevens with their cracking win against Rajasthan Royals in their next match in Guwahati. KKR will face former five-time winners Mumbai Indians in an away game on Saturday (Mar 29) before hosting the high-flying SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) at home on April 3. However, it remains to be seen what pitch would be on offer for his high-octane clash. (With inputs from agencies)

IPL 2025: KKR pitch curator does U-Turn in Rahane episode, says ‘those who are accusing me…’

KKR pitch curator Sujan Mukherjee rejected team captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ajinkya-rahane" rel="dofollow">Ajinkya Rahane</a>&rsquo;s request to prepare pitches that could aid their spinners so that they could maximise their home advantage, with broadcasters Harsha Bhogle and Simon Doull coming down hard on him for disrespecting Rahane. Although KKR won their second game of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ipl-2025" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025</a> by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-rr-vs-kkr-live-score-updates-6th-match-rajasthan-royals-vs-kolkata-knight-riders-today-live-cricket-match-scorecard-26-march-8893149" rel="dofollow">beating Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati</a>, their home loss in the tournament opener didn&rsquo;t sit well with cricket experts.
Knowing KKR has enjoyed enormous success banking on their spin attack, no assistance provided for the curtain raiser this time hurt their result, as RCB prevailed in a lop-sided contest. After posting a moderate 174/8 in the first innings, KKR could pick just three RCB wickets, two of which came to their mystery spin pair of Varun Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-marsh-acknowledges-lsg-going-to-be-under-pressure-against-srh-8894171" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025: Marsh acknowledges LSG 'going to be under pressure' against SRH</a>
Meanwhile, Bhogle pointed out how home teams rightly use the pitch advantage to their benefit, and if all IPL teams are getting this privilege, then KKR should also. The veteran TV commentator expressed displeasure over KKR&rsquo;s pitch curator remarks, saying Rahane never asked for rank turners or 120-run pitches; instead, all that he asked for were the surfaces where his spinners could get some purchase.
"RR, if they are playing at home, should get the tracks that they think are suited for their bowlers. So too with KKR. I saw something what the KKR curator has said. If I'm in the KKR camp, I'm extremely unhappy of what he said because I'm not asking for a 120 surface.&nbsp;
&ldquo;I'm just saying give me a surface where my bowlers can win matches. To say, 'Sorry, we don't prepare pitches like that...' No. We are not asking you to make a 120 pitch, we are not asking you to make a 240 pitch.&nbsp;
&ldquo;But I think home advantage in a tournament like IPL is absolutely legitimate. That will enhance the tournament because winning away becomes crucial then," Bhogle said in a Cricbuzz show.
<h2>What did KKR pitch curator say?</h2>
Since taking over the job ten years ago, Sujan has ensured the Eden Gardens pitch remains quick, assisting bounce and seam movement, unlike the ones prepared previously, where it used to benefit spinners, something the former KKR captain Gautam Gambhir banked (with his spin-heavy squads) winning two IPL titles (2012 and 2014).&nbsp;
Although Rahane put it under the mat after the RCB loss, saying the pitch behaved such because they covered it for some time, Sujan outright denied accepting any requests for altering its condition in games to come.&nbsp;
&ldquo;As per the IPL rules and regulations, franchises have no say over the pitch,&rdquo; he said in a chat with RevSportz. &ldquo;Ever since I have taken charge (as Eden curator), the pitches here have been like this. It was like this in the past. Things haven&rsquo;t changed now, and it will not be altered in the future.&rdquo;
<h3>&lsquo;He&rsquo;s not paid&hellip;&rsquo;</h3>
While Bhogle kept it subtle in criticising KKR&rsquo;s curator, Doull didn&rsquo;t mince his words, coming down hard on him.&nbsp;
"If he's not taking heed of what the home team wants... I mean they are paying the stadium fees, they are paying for what's going on in the IPL but if he's still not paying heed of what the home team wants, then just move the franchise away to somewhere else.
"His job is not to pass an opinion on the game. That's not what he's paid for," Doull said.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket, Sports: The veteran TV commentators expressed displeasure over KKR’s pitch curator remarks, saying Rahane never asked for rank turners or 120-run pitches.

KKR pitch curator Sujan Mukherjee rejected team captain Ajinkya Rahane’s request to prepare pitches that could aid their spinners so that they could maximise their home advantage, with broadcasters Harsha Bhogle and Simon Doull coming down hard on him for disrespecting Rahane. Although KKR won their second game of IPL 2025 by beating Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati, their home loss in the tournament opener didn’t sit well with cricket experts. Knowing KKR has enjoyed enormous success banking on their spin attack, no assistance provided for the curtain raiser this time hurt their result, as RCB prevailed in a lop-sided contest. After posting a moderate 174/8 in the first innings, KKR could pick just three RCB wickets, two of which came to their mystery spin pair of Varun Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine. Also read | IPL 2025: Marsh acknowledges LSG 'going to be under pressure' against SRH Meanwhile, Bhogle pointed out how home teams rightly use the pitch advantage to their benefit, and if all IPL teams are getting this privilege, then KKR should also. The veteran TV commentator expressed displeasure over KKR’s pitch curator remarks, saying Rahane never asked for rank turners or 120-run pitches; instead, all that he asked for were the surfaces where his spinners could get some purchase. "RR, if they are playing at home, should get the tracks that they think are suited for their bowlers. So too with KKR. I saw something what the KKR curator has said. If I'm in the KKR camp, I'm extremely unhappy of what he said because I'm not asking for a 120 surface. “I'm just saying give me a surface where my bowlers can win matches. To say, 'Sorry, we don't prepare pitches like that...' No. We are not asking you to make a 120 pitch, we are not asking you to make a 240 pitch. “But I think home advantage in a tournament like IPL is absolutely legitimate. That will enhance the tournament because winning away becomes crucial then," Bhogle said in a Cricbuzz show. What did KKR pitch curator say? Since taking over the job ten years ago, Sujan has ensured the Eden Gardens pitch remains quick, assisting bounce and seam movement, unlike the ones prepared previously, where it used to benefit spinners, something the former KKR captain Gautam Gambhir banked (with his spin-heavy squads) winning two IPL titles (2012 and 2014). Although Rahane put it under the mat after the RCB loss, saying the pitch behaved such because they covered it for some time, Sujan outright denied accepting any requests for altering its condition in games to come. “As per the IPL rules and regulations, franchises have no say over the pitch,” he said in a chat with RevSportz. “Ever since I have taken charge (as Eden curator), the pitches here have been like this. It was like this in the past. Things haven’t changed now, and it will not be altered in the future.” ‘He’s not paid…’ While Bhogle kept it subtle in criticising KKR’s curator, Doull didn’t mince his words, coming down hard on him. "If he's not taking heed of what the home team wants... I mean they are paying the stadium fees, they are paying for what's going on in the IPL but if he's still not paying heed of what the home team wants, then just move the franchise away to somewhere else. "His job is not to pass an opinion on the game. That's not what he's paid for," Doull said. (With inputs from agencies)

IPL 2025 - Bhogle, Doull unhappy with KKR pitch curator for disrespecting captain Rahane

pitch-curator

Pitch Curator, News on Pitch Curator, stories on Pitch Curator, articles on Pitch Curator, Pitch Curator stories at Wion, Pitch Curator news, Pitch Curator latest news