Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has expressed his concern after the alleged 'pitch-fixing' incident sent shockwave across the cricketing fraternity, hours before the start of the second ODI between India and New Zealand in Pune.
The match, which took place as scheduled on Wednesday, got embroiled in controversy hours before its start with allegations of corruption against curator Pandurang Salgaonkar, who was subsequently sacked by the BCCI.
A television channel claimed to have conducted a sting operation in which reporters posing as bookies approached the curator asking for a pitch which will favour the fast bowlers of one of the competing teams.
The curator was seen and heard on camera agreeing to the demands.
There was speculation that the match may be called off, but the ICC and the BCCI decided to go ahead with the game after ICC match referee Chris Broad inspected the pitch.
Later in the day, the BCCI and the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) announced that they have decided to terminate Salgaonkar's contract.
Akhtar, in a series of tweets, expressed his concern and shock over the incident.
"Am shocked and speechless to hear about this new #pitchfixing scandal," Akhtar said.
The 42-year-old Rawalpindi express, who has taken 444 wickets during his international career, said these incidents should be dealt with strongly.
"Even if this is #pitchfixing is rumor or a joke it should be dealt with an iron fist coz the game has already been damaged a lot!!," he added.
