Simon Doull criticized the Eden Gardens curator for ignoring KKR’s pitch request and suggested the franchise should move if their needs aren’t met.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have been advised to consider shifting from Eden Gardens if their pitch concerns remain unaddressed. Captain Ajinkya Rahane sought spin-friendly conditions after their IPL 2025 opener defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru. However, Eden curator Sujan Mukherjee dismissed the request, stating pitch conditions will not change under his supervision.
Mukherjee emphasized that IPL franchises have no control over pitch preparation, maintaining that Eden’s surface has remained consistent over the years. His stance has sparked debate, with former New Zealand pacer Simon Doull suggesting that teams paying stadium fees should have a say in pitch conditions.
READ ALSO | ‘Franchises Have No Say’: Eden Curator Rejects KKR Skipper Ajinkya Rahane’s Pitch Demand
Doull argued that relocating to another venue should be an option if the home team’s needs are ignored.
“If he’s (the curator) 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 told Cricbuzz.
Mukherjee Refutes Allegations, Says KKR Never Requested Pitch Changes
Meanwhile, Sujan Mukherjee has backtracked on his earlier remarks, now stating he never received specific pitch requests from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He clarified that no official or player approached him with pitch requirements before their first IPL 2025 match. Mukherjee maintained that he followed BCCI guidelines while preparing the surface and insisted his relationship with KKR remains positive.
“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 (pitch will turn, and it will be good for batting)’,” Mukherjee was quoted as saying by 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 will play their next match on March 31 against the Mumbai Indians.
