The Jammu and Kashmir Ranji Trophy team found themselves at the centre of controversy after alleging “pitch fixing” against Baroda on Saturday, February 1. The visiting players were furious when they walked out on Day 3 of their crucial Ranji Trophy fixture in protest, claiming that the pitch had undergone a dramatic and suspicious transformation overnight.
According to reports from ESPNCricinfo, play was significantly delayed as a result of the protest, with the match finally beginning at 10:55 AM instead of the scheduled 9:30 AM start. J&K players and team management asserted that the pitch had played evenly on Day 2 but had turned damp and unpredictable the following morning, creating difficult batting conditions.
The timing of the controversy raised eyebrows, especially considering that Baroda needed an outright win to qualify for the next stage of the tournament. By stumps on Day 2, Jammu and Kashmir held a commanding 205-run lead, a position that put them firmly in control.
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However, the drastically altered playing conditions on the morning of Day 3 sparked outrage, leading to a formal protest. The J&K management, led by captain Paras Dogra, engaged in lengthy discussions with the on-field umpires before the match was officially delayed due to “pitch dampness.”
‘Pitch fixing’ allegations hit Ranji Trophy. Jammu and Kashmir’s big charge against Krunal Pandya-led Baroda#RanjiTrophyhttps://t.co/1sjKmH62qM
— CricketNDTV (@CricketNDTV) February 1, 2025
Concerns about a wet outfield had already been raised on Day 2, but the overnight transformation of the surface only intensified J&K’s frustrations. Given their dominant group-stage performances, they required only a draw to progress as Elite Group A leaders. Their campaign had already been strengthened by a statement victory over a Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai in their previous fixture, highlighting their credentials as serious contenders.
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For Baroda, the stakes were far greater. With their qualification hopes hanging in the balance, they needed an outright victory to stay in contention. The added tension of potential net run-rate implications only fueled the drama further. As the match resumed under contentious circumstances, all eyes were on how J&K would cope with the unexpected conditions and whether Baroda could capitalize on the controversy to keep their knockout hopes alive.
