Sujan Mukherjee, the Eden Gardens pitch curator, has at last come out to explain the criticism he attracted for rejecting Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper Ajinkya Rahane's appeal for a spin-friendly pitch in their IPL 2025 season opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Mukherjee justified his move by invoking BCCI norms, also countering former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull, who had uncharitably called for KKR to "find a new home."
Eden Gardens Pitch Curator Hits Back At Critiques
In an interview with RevSportz, Mukherjee acknowledged that the criticism had been tough to take but was steadfast in his conviction that preparing an overly spin-friendly surface could have bitten KKR back. He emphasized again that though conversations are open to him, preparation of the pitch should be done according to BCCI norms, so that every team is treated fairly.
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Blunt Response To Simon Doull's Comments
Mukherjee also responded sharply to Simon Doull, who had criticized the decision and suggested that KKR should consider relocating if they were unhappy with the pitch. Dismissing Doull’s remarks, Mukherjee once again emphasized that teams and players have no authority over pitch conditions, as per BCCI’s official regulations.
Sujan Mukherjee Explains BCCI Guidelines
"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. 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 said
"I Do Not Have To Bother About What Simon Doull Said"
"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."
As the controversy surrounding home advantage in the IPL picks up steam, Mukherjee stands firm in his method, affirming that preparation of the pitch ought to be impartial and should not be subject to franchise requirements.