Is corruption endemic in Indian cricket?

[Abdullah719]

Shakib's IPL 2018 anti-corruption matters were handled by ICC: BCCI ACU head

The International Cricket Council (ICC), in its report, has stated that Bangladesh captain, Shakib Al Hasan, breached the anti-corruption code by failing to report a corrupt approach during an Indian Premier League (IPL) game in 2018.

But the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) head Ajit Singh has said that the Board had no role to play in the investigations and that they were entirely conducted by the ICC.

“In 2018 season, the ICC was looking after the anti-corruption matters. So, they initiated the investigations. We gave our inputs and the rest was done by the ICC,” Singh said.

Shakib was suspended by the ICC for two years, including one year of “suspended sentence” for failing to report corrupt approach on three separate occasions -- including one during 2018 IPL by an alleged Indian bookie Deepak Aggarwal.

The match referred in ICC’s verdict was played between his IPL franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kings XI Punjab on April 26, 2018, and it was won by Sunrisers by 13 runs.

Till IPL 2018, the ICC’s anti-corruption unit officials were deputed for the IPL, but things changed from last year as the BCCI decided to depute its ACU officers for the entire tournament.

In its verdict, the ICC stated that the alleged bookie Aggarwal had sent messages to Shakib on April 26, and that some of the messages containing requests for ‘inside information’ were deleted by the all-rounder.

https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cric...-sunrisers-hyderabad-bcci/article29825320.ece

 

[Junaids]

I don’t know whether the IPL is corrupt.

But what I do know is that an auction-based payment structure is the perfect design to allow, even encourage, corruption.

And the corruption could be in a completely separate tournament.

Imagine that I am a corrupt match fixer, and I have corrupted the legendary Canadian all-rounder Edward McGregor..

How is McGregor going to launder his corrupt payments?

Maybe by being on lucrative T20 contracts from Worcester Walnuts, Sydney Savages, Calcutta Chipmonks and Karachi Klingons.

The T20 auction system basically makes it easy to disguise corrupt payments as legitimate salary.

 

[MenInG]

Its tricky and not advisable to make accusations of corruption against IPL but one thing is for sure, with so much money at stake there will always be people who want to make a 'faster' buck - this is a lesson we learnt in PSL and hopefully something IPL organizers are keeping an eye on as well.

The fact that Shakib was approached during the IPL in connection with matches there is something that 'head in the sand' approach will not solve.

 

[sweep_shot]

All T20 leagues are valuable targets. All the players need to be careful and responsible. It is foolish to throw away career for a few quick bucks.

ICC needs to be vigilant always (assuming ICC itself is not compromised).

 

[Indiafan]

So Shakib was approached once in an international match, once in a domestic match and once during IPL but OPL is being singled out by OP? The fact that Shakib got banned just for not reporting an approach, not even fixing (heck the bookie only wanted info on pitch etc) shows how serious ICC is about stamping this menace. More likely other leagues are not so strict and more shady stuff happen there

 

[Indiafan]

Its tricky and not advisable to make accusations of corruption against IPL but one thing is for sure, with so much money at stake there will always be people who want to make a 'faster' buck - this is a lesson we learnt in PSL and hopefully something IPL organizers are keeping an eye on as well.

The fact that Shakib was approached during the IPL in connection with matches there is something that 'head in the sand' approach will not solve.

Shakib was also approached during an international match and a domestic match. this information is conveniently been left out of the OP

 

[MenInG]

Shakib was also approached during an international match and a domestic match. this information is conveniently been left out of the OP

No need to get so defensive if IPL is mentioned

Also let's look at the money that is involved in IPL vs international games

 

[Virat_Kohli_fan]

No need to get so defensive if IPL is mentioned

Also let's look at the money that is involved in IPL vs international games

The money involved should make the players less likely to fix, not more.

 

[MenInG]

The money involved should make the players less likely to fix, not more.

The money involved around the league - think of the high stakes etc.

 

[Virat_Kohli_fan]

The money involved around the league - think of the high stakes etc.

There's two types of Money involved here -

Player Salary - Should make players less likely to fix.

Prize money and such - Should be irrelevant, or the same as Salary.

Could you give a logical explanation about why the higher sums of money involved in IPL would make it more fixing prone? As far as I know the lesser the money involved and the less established the leagues the more you wouldn't care about throwing down a couple no balls.

 

[cricketjoshila]

No need to get so defensive if IPL is mentioned

Also let's look at the money that is involved in IPL vs international games

But why single out IPL? Was there no corruption in BPL or PSL?

Corruption being part of IPL is a poor accusation to be made.

 

[MenInG]

But why single out IPL? Was there no corruption in BPL or PSL?

Corruption being part of IPL is a poor accusation to be made.

There are other threads on PSL/BPL

What is curious is how everyone gets so worried when IPL is mentioned.

 

[cricketjoshila]

There are other threads on PSL/BPL

What is curious is how everyone gets so worried when IPL is mentioned.

No body is worried. A player is suspended for multiple approaches and Ipl is being singled out.

The OP posts an article from SportsStar but the headline is something totally different.

 

[MenInG]

No body is worried. A player is suspended for multiple approaches and Ipl is being singled out.

The OP posts an article from SportsStar but the headline is something totally different.

"The International Cricket Council (ICC), in its report, has stated that Bangladesh captain, Shakib Al Hasan, breached the anti-corruption code by failing to report a corrupt approach during an Indian Premier League (IPL) game in 2018."

Thus the headline.

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

Let's say corruption is in IPL. Let's say it is in other international sport too. And in BBL/PSL etc.

What's the debate here?

1. That corruption should be rooted out? We already know it should be.

2. What else? Should ICC/International law enforcement do better? Absolutely - but that's the case in all walks of life.

3. Has IPL got a low tolerance approach to corruption? In my opinion, BCCI has a much stronger stance against corruption than many others and have demonstrated it. In some cases, corporate interests have won out as they do everywhere, but overall, punishments have fitted the crimes better in Indian cricket.

4. Is BCCI hiding corruption so the $$ it makes are not affected? I suppose this is what the thread is implying but no one is saying it. My assertion on this is:

if people don't have proof, then these insinuations and innuendo just smack of jealousy and pettiness. Nothing else.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Let's say corruption is in IPL. Let's say it is in other international sport too. And in BBL/PSL etc.

What's the debate here?

1. That corruption should be rooted out? We already know it should be.

2. What else? Should ICC/International law enforcement do better? Absolutely - but that's the case in all walks of life.

3. Has IPL got a low tolerance approach to corruption? In my opinion, BCCI has a much stronger stance against corruption than many others and have demonstrated it. In some cases, corporate interests have won out as they do everywhere, but overall, punishments have fitted the crimes better in Indian cricket.

4. Is BCCI hiding corruption so the $$ it makes are not affected? I suppose this is what the thread is implying but no one is saying it. My assertion on this is:

if people don't have proof, then these insinuations and innuendo just smack of jealousy and pettiness. Nothing else.

Hammer. Nail. Head.

 

[TNAmarkFromIndia]

Of course it is. How else do you explain Mumbai and Chennai winning the title so many times?

 

[MenInG]

Let's say corruption is in IPL. Let's say it is in other international sport too. And in BBL/PSL etc.

What's the debate here?

1. That corruption should be rooted out? We already know it should be.

2. What else? Should ICC/International law enforcement do better? Absolutely - but that's the case in all walks of life.

3. Has IPL got a low tolerance approach to corruption? In my opinion, BCCI has a much stronger stance against corruption than many others and have demonstrated it. In some cases, corporate interests have won out as they do everywhere, but overall, punishments have fitted the crimes better in Indian cricket.

4. Is BCCI hiding corruption so the $$ it makes are not affected? I suppose this is what the thread is implying but no one is saying it. My assertion on this is:

if people don't have proof, then these insinuations and innuendo just smack of jealousy and pettiness. Nothing else.

You have stated your opinions as facts.

Your opinions are appreciated but others are allowed to disagree with them

 

[Sir-fraz]

same could be said for psl and bpl. honestly it would make sense to use league t20s as hub for spot fixing especially in Asian leagues

these leagues were made for this lol, too much money to be made

this is why they need to legalize sports betting in Asian countries

makes no sense for it to be illegal, bets are gonna take place regardless.

 

[silentkiller187]

its not the leagues that are corrupt, its the opportunities they provide to bookmakers, i.e. smash and dash cricket, informal environment, all the best players, that what will attract these bookmakers . Stop getting so defensive just because the IPL has been mentioned, it happens in every single league from UK to Pak to India, just because you do not hear about it until a player gets banned do not assume it does not happen.

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

You have stated your opinions as facts.

Your opinions are appreciated but others are allowed to disagree with them

Fair. I am just as passionate about facts as you are. Can someone point me to the facts about IPL corruption rather than supposed smoking guns?

 

[Shams123]

Corruption is part of every cricket league.

 

[Indiafan]

No need to get so defensive if IPL is mentioned

Also let's look at the money that is involved in IPL vs international games

We talk so much about false reporting and taking things out of context when we criticize the media but that is what OP is doing too.

If only IPL is mentioned the picture being painted is that corrupt approaches to Shakib happened because of IPL

if the truth, ie he was approached in all formats, is presented, then Shakib becomes the focus and it becomes obvious it was Shakib who was targeted and they wanted information on whatever cricket he played including international, domestic and IPL.

Lying by ommisions is lying in journalism. One should let the narrative form based on the facts and not omit things to drive their own narrative. Otherwise we have no right to criticize other media and journalists for distorting facts

 

[cricketjoshila]

"The International Cricket Council (ICC), in its report, has stated that Bangladesh captain, Shakib Al Hasan, breached the anti-corruption code by failing to report a corrupt approach during an Indian Premier League (IPL) game in 2018."

Thus the headline.

Shakib was suspended by ICC for two years, including one year of “suspended sentence” for failing to report corrupt approach on three separate occasions.

From the same link.

 

[Rana]

Shakib was suspended by ICC for two years, including one year of “suspended sentence” for failing to report corrupt approach on three separate occasions.

From the same link.

Your pointlessly arguing again knowing what his point of view is.

 

[MenInG]

We talk so much about false reporting and taking things out of context when we criticize the media but that is what OP is doing too.

If only IPL is mentioned the picture being painted is that corrupt approaches to Shakib happened because of IPL

if the truth, ie he was approached in all formats, is presented, then Shakib becomes the focus and it becomes obvious it was Shakib who was targeted and they wanted information on whatever cricket he played including international, domestic and IPL.

Lying by ommisions is lying in journalism. One should let the narrative form based on the facts and not omit things to drive their own narrative. Otherwise we have no right to criticize other media and journalists for distorting facts

Once again, dont worry about other countries etc - I would be worried if any mention of India is made in articles etc.

This is an elephant in the room which needs to be confronted and not hidden around by playing with semantics.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Lol I am not surprised to see some fans reactions here after OP mentioned IPL. They will bring other leagues into discussion now to justify it. These same fans enjoy and laugh in threads related to corruption or fixing in other leagues/countries. They will get defensive if someone tries to bring IPL in those threads but here they can't stay on topic and will try to bring other leagues.

For these fans I would like to say that IPL is as clean as River Ganga.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Fair. I am just as passionate about facts as you are. Can someone point me to the facts about IPL corruption rather than supposed smoking guns?

Correct me if I am wrong but didn't they ban two teams from IPL for corruption?

 

[JaDed]

Could be, cricket itself I still don’t believe is free, so IPL is part of it.. till guys like Sreesanth and teams are banned , consequences is what matters and thats the only thing that can improve , having consequences on fixing, not reporting etc..

 

[sweep_shot]

Just because IPL pays big money doesn't mean players cannot get tempted. Greed knows no boundary and some players may look to gain more.

Also, not everyone in IPL makes big money. There are players who are in the lower brackets and they make less money.

No league is 100% safe. No country is 100% safe. I will not be surprised if ICC itself is compromised.

 

[WengerOut]

Lol I am not surprised to see some fans reactions here after OP mentioned IPL. They will bring other leagues into discussion now to justify it. These same fans enjoy and laugh in threads related to corruption or fixing in other leagues/countries. They will get defensive if someone tries to bring IPL in those threads but here they can't stay on topic and will try to bring other leagues.

For these fans I would like to say that IPL is as clean as River Ganga.

River Ganga and clean!!

 

[Indiafan]

Once again, dont worry about other countries etc - I would be worried if any mention of India is made in articles etc.

This is an elephant in the room which needs to be confronted and not hidden around by playing with semantics.

Yes a player was approached because they thought he could be corrupted and give information on whatever leagues or matches he played. It is obvious. The only person playing with semantics seems to be the OP, who deliberately hid the information about other approaches to the same player. Kind of yellow journalism. What I find is funny is that people are quick to call out here when their words are taken out of context or misrepresented or some media houses do this

 

[Indiafan]

Lol I am not surprised to see some fans reactions here after OP mentioned IPL. They will bring other leagues into discussion now to justify it. These same fans enjoy and laugh in threads related to corruption or fixing in other leagues/countries. They will get defensive if someone tries to bring IPL in those threads but here they can't stay on topic and will try to bring other leagues.

For these fans I would like to say that IPL is as clean as River Ganga.

Not a single Indian mentioned other leagues so please try again.

it is clear the approach was made to a player hoping he could be corrupted in whatever format he played including internationals and domestic and the approach was not targeted towards one league or one format. But nice try though.

 

[MenInG]

Yes a player was approached because they thought he could be corrupted and give information on whatever leagues or matches he played. It is obvious. The only person playing with semantics seems to be the OP, who deliberately hid the information about other approaches to the same player. Kind of yellow journalism. What I find is funny is that people are quick to call out here when their words are taken out of context or misrepresented or some media houses do this

Once again - get down from your high-horse. India and Indian cricket is not made from some divine doodh!

There is corruption lurking everywhere and it will raise its ugly head - you can worry about semantics of the article etc - we will worry about substance.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

So Shakib was approached once in an international match, once in a domestic match and once during IPL but OPL is being singled out by OP? The fact that Shakib got banned just for not reporting an approach, not even fixing (heck the bookie only wanted info on pitch etc) shows how serious ICC is about stamping this menace. More likely other leagues are not so strict and more shady stuff happen there

Lol so please elaborate what other leagues are you talking about here? You are literally crying in this post. It's pretty clear you got hurt as soon as OP mentioned IPL.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Not a single Indian mentioned other leagues so please try again.

it is clear the approach was made to a player hoping he could be corrupted in whatever format he played including internationals and domestic and the approach was not targeted towards one league or one format. But nice try though.

Actually you were the one who did it. Read my above post and please tell what do you mean by other leagues in that post and how is it related to this thread?

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

Correct me if I am wrong but didn't they ban two teams from IPL for corruption?

That is precisely my point. When corruption was identified, it was dealt with. So current rumblings about corruption in IPL without proof are just that.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

Correct me if I am wrong but didn't they ban two teams from IPL for corruption?

Yeah one of which was headed by a corrupt grandpa from jharkhand.
He is surely a fixer.

 

[MenInG]

That is precisely my point. When corruption was identified, it was dealt with. So current rumblings about corruption in IPL without proof are just that.

The point is that corruption exists/lurks around the corner - that is not the feeling I am getting from some of the posters.

 

[Pakhs]

Where there is money there is corruption - nothing has changed in this world.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

That is precisely my point. When corruption was identified, it was dealt with. So current rumblings about corruption in IPL without proof are just that.

You are wrong. Corruption was not identified properly. If you don't believe me ask [MENTION=146232]jeeteshssaxena[/MENTION] According to him Dhoni is surely a fixer. If he is why didn't BCCI ban him. Something is fishy. For more proofs you can contact [MENTION=146232]jeeteshssaxena[/MENTION] he surely knows about it.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Yeah one of which was headed by a corrupt grandpa from jharkhand.
He is surely a fixer.

Two teams got banned Dhoni didn't. Since you are so sure of him being a fixer you now have to provide the proofs or ask the mods to once again delete your stupid post.

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

You are wrong. Corruption was not identified properly. If you don't believe me ask [MENTION=146232]jeeteshssaxena[/MENTION] According to him Dhoni is surely a fixer. If he is why didn't BCCI ban him. Something is fishy. For more proofs you can contact [MENTION=146232]jeeteshssaxena[/MENTION] he surely knows about it.

I look forward to reading more on this subject. Really disturbing stuff if true.

 

[BaankeJi]

It is not about a league or a tournament. It is about a person. If someone cannot be lured, then he won't be a fixer.

Shakib was approached only once in IPL. There were two other instances. Clearly bookies are present elsewhere too.

Also, there are other players too. They reported the approached that they received as we have read in news reports. Clearly moral level of some players is higher than others and that helps.

Bookies can't be stopped from approaching since they come via a mutual friend. You have to live in a bubble to stop them. Best you can do is not get tempted and report them on the slightest hint.

 

[Technics 1210]

Lalit Modi, the founding father of the IPL, is wanted for corruption charges - go figure!

 

[Mesozoic]

It's fair to say that there is corruption in almost every franchise league out there (may be barring BBL and T20 blast).

Or rather we can say that these leagues were created in the first place for betting and bookies.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

I look forward to reading more on this subject. Really disturbing stuff if true.

[MENTION=146232]jeeteshssaxena[/MENTION] We all are waiting for those proofs.

 

[Gabbar Singh]

During the current edition of the IPL one player has reported an illegal approach from a potential fixer.

https://www.thecricketer.com/Topics/news/ipl_player_reports_corrupt_approach.html

That means out of the near 200 players involved (+ dozens more in management figures) in the IPL only one was approached by the numerous fixing networks out there. Or were more players approached but just didn’t report it. But why didn’t they report it?

Cricket is one of the most corrupt sports on the planet, the UAE is the granddaddy of money laundering and India is just as corrupt if not more than the other cricketing nations so are we really expected to believe no other corrupt approaches have been made? Is IPL 2020 really clean?

I still watch and enjoy it but doubt that the tournament is as corruption free as the organisers like to claim.

 

[MenInG]

New Delhi: The BCCI has a zero tolerance policy towards corruption and the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) - - headed by Shabir Hussein Shekhadam Khandwawala -- is currently keeping a close eye on the IPL being played in UAE. And a post by Punjab Kings batsman Deepak Hooda on Tuesday afternoon ahead of Punjab's game against Rajasthan Royals will be checked by the ACU team to see if it breaches the anti-corruption guidelines.

Speaking to ANI, an ACU official said while the Instagram post missed the team, they will definitely look into it to see if it violates the rules set by the BCCI ACU.

"ACU will look into this post. Our restrictions are that there shall not be any talk about the composition of the team," the official said. Hooda had on Tuesday taken to Instagram around 2pm and posted a picture which shows him putting on the team helmet. He wrote: "Here we go @punjabkingsipl #pbksvsrr #ipl2021 #saddapunjab." Asked if there has been any discussion on how cricketers should react to social media messages that they get from fans and followers on Direct Messages, the ACU official said: "There is a guideline on the dos and don'ts." Former ACU chief Ajit Singh ahead of last year's IPL in UAE had said that social media interactions were being closely monitored by his team.

"See, while the number of venues is less, the hurdles of physical movement due to the coronavirus pandemic also means that approaches if any will be made through social media. So, we are going to be closely monitoring the same and ensuring that there is nothing that escapes the team's eyes," he had told ANI last year. The former chief had also made it clear that while PR teams handle some of the players' social media accounts, the players needed to be careful to ensure there was no letup from their side.

"Yes, it is handled by their teams in some cases. But at the end of the day, it is their accounts. So, the players must have a team around them which is aware of these things and no sooner they see anything suspicious, they should report the same to us. It has to be a joint effort," he had explained. The 14th season, which was postponed in May this year in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, resumed on September 19 in Dubai with a blockbuster clash between Chennai Super Kings and defending champions Mumbai Indians. The action then shifted to Abu Dhabi where Kolkata Knight Riders squared off against Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Sharjah will host its first game on September 24 when Royal Challengers Bangalore take on Chennai Super Kings. In all, 13 matches will be held in Dubai, 10 in Sharjah, and 8 in Abu Dhabi.

https://www.timesnownews.com/sports...cu-to-decide-if-it-violates-guidelines/815255

 

[MenInG]

Unemployed MTech youth and his aide were arrested by crime branch for placing bets on IPL cricket matches on mobile phones, a mobile phone of a Samsung company, cash of Rs 19100 and betting receipts of lakhs of rupees, register etc. were seized by police.

Police said that the accused used to bet on cricket betting through bookies, accused place bets by looking at scores and expressions through Cricket Line Guru application in mobile phone.

Out of the two accused, Kapil Sharma who is studying Master of Technology and the other accused Ramavatar alias Raja works as property dealer.

Information has been taken about the accounts of the accused in which, in case of illegally earned money and action is taken to freeze them.

The big bookies through whom the accused play bets will be identified and legal action will be taken against them too.

Acting on a tip off of two boys placing bets on IPL cricket match bets from mobile phones in Balaji Dham Colony, Etkhedi were nabbed. The two were identified as Kapil Sharma(24) and Ramavatar Sharma alias Raja(24).

Kapil is M. Tech and is unemployed and revealed that in the lack of work he started to place and accept bets.

Other accused Raja is B.A and deals in property.

Police are investigating crime record of the two and have started investigation into the matter.

https://www.dailypioneer.com/2022/s...t-matches-on-mobile-phone--rs-19k-seized.html

 

[MenInG]

A gang set up a fake “Indian Premier League” tournament with farm labourers acting as players to dupe Russian punters in a betting scam reminiscent of the 1973 film The Sting.

The so-called “Indian Premier Cricket League” reached the quarter-final stage before the racket was busted by police in India.

The tournament began three weeks after the actual IPL concluded in May, according to police, but that proved no hindrance to the gang, which they said leased a remote farm in the western state of Gujarat.

They installed a cricket pitch, complete with “boundary lines and halogen lamps”, Insp Bhavesh Rathod told reporters. “Besides this the accused had set up high-resolution cameras on the ground and used computer generated graphics to display scores on a live streaming screen.”

The gang allegedly hired labourers and unemployed young people, paying them 400 rupees (£4.20) a game, and broadcast the matches live on a YouTube channel called “IPL”.

Players took turns to wear jerseys of the Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans, police said, acting on the instructions of the “Russia-based mastermind”.

Crowd-noise sound effects were downloaded from the internet and a speaker with a knack for mimicking one of IPL’s real Indian commentators was used to make the tournament appear authentic.

At the same time the camera operator made sure the entire ground was not shown, beaming close-ups of the players instead.

Russian punters were lured into betting their roubles on a Telegram channel set up by the gang, who would then alert the fake umpire on the pitch using walkie-talkies.

The supposed official “would signal the bowler and batsman to hit a six, four or get out”, Rathod said.

A “quarter-final” match was being played “when we got a tip-off and we busted the racket”, said the police officer added.

The accused had received a first instalment of more than 300,000 rupees from the punters in Russia, Rathod said.

The scheme has echoes of The Sting starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford, in which a group of con artists set up a fake betting operation in order to defraud a gangster.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2...-gamblers-india-police-betting-scam-the-sting

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

^^^^ This is some really funny stuff. There is no shortage of talented people in India.

 

[MenInG]

A gang set up a fake “Indian Premier League” tournament with farm labourers acting as players to dupe Russian punters in a betting scam reminiscent of the 1973 film The Sting.

The so-called “Indian Premier Cricket League” reached the quarter-final stage before the racket was busted by police in India.

The tournament began three weeks after the actual IPL concluded in May, according to police, but that proved no hindrance to the gang, which they said leased a remote farm in the western state of Gujarat.

They installed a cricket pitch, complete with “boundary lines and halogen lamps”, Insp Bhavesh Rathod told reporters. “Besides this the accused had set up high-resolution cameras on the ground and used computer generated graphics to display scores on a live streaming screen.”

The gang allegedly hired labourers and unemployed young people, paying them 400 rupees (£4.20) a game, and broadcast the matches live on a YouTube channel called “IPL”.

Players took turns to wear jerseys of the Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans, police said, acting on the instructions of the “Russia-based mastermind”.

Crowd-noise sound effects were downloaded from the internet and a speaker with a knack for mimicking one of IPL’s real Indian commentators was used to make the tournament appear authentic.

At the same time the camera operator made sure the entire ground was not shown, beaming close-ups of the players instead.

Russian punters were lured into betting their roubles on a Telegram channel set up by the gang, who would then alert the fake umpire on the pitch using walkie-talkies.

The supposed official “would signal the bowler and batsman to hit a six, four or get out”, Rathod said.

A “quarter-final” match was being played “when we got a tip-off and we busted the racket”, said the police officer added.

The accused had received a first instalment of more than 300,000 rupees from the punters in Russia, Rathod said.

The scheme has echoes of The Sting starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford, in which a group of con artists set up a fake betting operation in order to defraud a gangster.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2...-gamblers-india-police-betting-scam-the-sting

<iframe width="400" height="500" frameborder="0" src="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av-embeds/62123966/vpid/p0cl4szc"></iframe>

Even more hilarious when you see video clip

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

Regardless of this little stunt, India or for that matter any other board, have dealt with corruption far better than Pakistan.

In fact, I believe (without evidence) corruption is part of every league. How a board deals with it is much more significant than the act of corruption itself.

It is a reflection of Pakistan society that corruption isn't considered a major offense. A sitting judge, who has taken oath to uphold the law, presiding over a corruption trial, offers a backdoor way out to criminals, despite overwhelming evidence, because he has a 'soft corner' for a legend. A league in such a society can not be corruption free.

In fact, this attitude has led to rot in every sphere of society, including cricket.

 

[MenInG]

Days after an elaborate betting con, targeting Russian punters and involving farmers in a Gujarat village, was busted for organising a fake ‘Indian Premier League’ like tournament, a syndicate with similar modus operandi in Uttar Pradesh was uncovered with two accused landing in police net.

Hapur Superintendent of Police Deepak Bhukar said, “Two accused have been arrested by Hapur police team. These people were organising fake T20 leagues.

About Rs 15,000, a blue box and mobiles have also been recovered from them. During interrogation it has been revealed that one of the accused used to get Rs 30,000 to 40,000 for a match. Action will also be taken against those who are involved in this matter.”

https://www.deccanherald.com/video/...ssian-pakistan-link-busted-in-up-1126191.html

 

[MenInG]

Former IPS officer Neeraj Kumar, who strayed into the world of cricket when he was appointed head of BCCI's Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) in 2015, says during his stint, he realised fixing is the proverbial tip of the iceberg of corruption in cricket and a "minuscule percentage of the large-scale chicanery that cricket administrators indulge in". Published by Juggernaut Books, "A Cop in Cricket" is an account of Kumar's personal trials as ACU chief (June 1, 2015 - May 31, 2018) at the BCCI and his "witness statement of the three critical years of the national cricket body caught in the throes of change".

Kumar says in his book, he has attempted to give the readers an "overview of the malpractices that take place in the name of cricket in our country".

At the same time, he says, having witnessed the goings-on in the BCCI in the wake of the Supreme Court interventions following the Mudgal Committee and Lodha Committee reports, "I am also able to write about the 'agents of change', appointed by the Supreme Court to clean up the Augean stables that is the BCCI".

"In the three years that I spent at the BCCI, I realised that fixing was the proverbial tip of the huge iceberg of corruption in cricket. Fixing is, in fact, a minuscule percentage of the large-scale chicanery that cricket administrators indulge in," he writes.

"The handsome revenues earned by cricket in India - thanks to the IPL - are parcelled off to state cricket associations, where the money is mostly misappropriated. The 2015 Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case against the top bosses of the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) for embezzlement of crores of rupees given to them by the BCCI is a case in point," Kumar claims.

He also goes on to allege that many "unsavoury things also happen at the grassroots level" during team selections. "Those happenings remain a matter between the selector and the aspiring cricketer or his family." He claims during his tenure at the BCCI, his unit had to look into several such complaints, including a few where sexual favours were sought from young cricketers.

"We were frequently approached by players and their guardians complaining that they were cheated of lakhs of rupees by coaches or officials who promised them a place in an IPL or Ranji team and then disappeared, leaving them high and dry," Kumar writes.

In the book, Kumar also mentions that Vinod Rai, head of the Committee of Administrators (CoA) of the BCCI appointed by the Supreme Court to take over the governance of the BCCI in 2017, and the then BCCI CEO Rahul Johri enjoyed a 'father-son' relationship, where the "father didn't wish to hear anything against his prodigal son".

Kumar claims he brought several issues connected with Johri to the notice of Rai.

"He always gave me a patient hearing and made me feel he was on my side and would discipline Rahul Johri suitably. But I noticed he did nothing of the sort," he writes.

"Looking back at the sequence of events, I continue to be appalled and outraged. The defaulting CEO had conspired with the chief administrator to embarrass me and pass on the blame for his own misdoings to me in a meeting and had shared his plans with a journalist.

"Even more hurtful was that Rai pretended to be on my side only a couple of hours earlier and conducted himself in the meeting along the lines his CEO had scripted for him, even when he knew all the facts," he says.

Kumar also writes that with "Anurag Thakur, who had a tight leash on Johri, gone, the CEO gradually came into his own. Johri, who had political clout with a powerful central minister backing him, became the blue-eyed boy of Rai".

According to the author, the main focus of cricket administrators in India should be to ensure that help - monetary or otherwise - for struggling players at the lower level needing aid reaches only the deserving.

Kumar also writes that Indian fans really get a raw deal.

"There is hardly a stadium that can boast of a world-class spectating facility with clean toilets, availability of hygienic food and refreshments, clean drinking water, parking facilities, smooth accessibility, firefighting equipment, and so on. End of the day, it is on account of the fans that the Board generates enormous revenue, but sadly nobody cares for them.

"The so-called cricket administrators, most of whom have never held a cricket ball or bat in their lives, end up as the main beneficiaries of the monies earned by cricket in this country, at the expense of the fans of the game and the players," he says.

On legalising betting, Kumar writes: "I have always had reservations about this point of view. First, no political party in power would risk legalising betting in sports. It would be widely perceived as giving legal sanction to gambling, which is otherwise a criminal offence.

"But the political fallout of such a move would be substantial and, therefore, it is unlikely to happen any time soon. More importantly, even if the government legalises betting, how many bettors would come forward to place their wagers using 'white money'?"

NDTV

 

[captain.hansolo]

I don’t know whether the IPL is corrupt.

But what I do know is that an auction-based payment structure is the perfect design to allow, even encourage, corruption.

And the corruption could be in a completely separate tournament.

Imagine that I am a corrupt match fixer, and I have corrupted the legendary Canadian all-rounder Edward McGregor..

How is McGregor going to launder his corrupt payments?

Maybe by being on lucrative T20 contracts from Worcester Walnuts, Sydney Savages, Calcutta Chipmonks and Karachi Klingons.

The T20 auction system basically makes it easy to disguise corrupt payments as legitimate salary.

You either done know what money laundering means or how match fixing works. But what you attempt to allege is nonsense.

 

[captain.hansolo]

Lalit Modi, the founding father of the IPL, is wanted for corruption charges - go figure!

Actually prior to that he was deported on drug charges. But that does not imply that match fixing is rampant.

Kerry paker is one of the most corrupt, exploitative businessman on this planet. Is all ODI cricket thus fixed?

You seem to play fast and loose with accusations while using guilt by association as your justification.

 

[MenInG]

Former IPS officer Neeraj Kumar, who strayed into the world of cricket when he was appointed head of BCCI's Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) in 2015, says during his stint, he realised fixing is the proverbial tip of the iceberg of corruption in cricket and a "minuscule percentage of the large-scale chicanery that cricket administrators indulge in". Published by Juggernaut Books, "A Cop in Cricket" is an account of Kumar's personal trials as ACU chief (June 1, 2015 - May 31, 2018) at the BCCI and his "witness statement of the three critical years of the national cricket body caught in the throes of change".

Kumar says in his book, he has attempted to give the readers an "overview of the malpractices that take place in the name of cricket in our country".

At the same time, he says, having witnessed the goings-on in the BCCI in the wake of the Supreme Court interventions following the Mudgal Committee and Lodha Committee reports, "I am also able to write about the 'agents of change', appointed by the Supreme Court to clean up the Augean stables that is the BCCI".

"In the three years that I spent at the BCCI, I realised that fixing was the proverbial tip of the huge iceberg of corruption in cricket. Fixing is, in fact, a minuscule percentage of the large-scale chicanery that cricket administrators indulge in," he writes.

"The handsome revenues earned by cricket in India - thanks to the IPL - are parcelled off to state cricket associations, where the money is mostly misappropriated. The 2015 Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case against the top bosses of the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) for embezzlement of crores of rupees given to them by the BCCI is a case in point," Kumar claims.

He also goes on to allege that many "unsavoury things also happen at the grassroots level" during team selections. "Those happenings remain a matter between the selector and the aspiring cricketer or his family." He claims during his tenure at the BCCI, his unit had to look into several such complaints, including a few where sexual favours were sought from young cricketers.

"We were frequently approached by players and their guardians complaining that they were cheated of lakhs of rupees by coaches or officials who promised them a place in an IPL or Ranji team and then disappeared, leaving them high and dry," Kumar writes.

In the book, Kumar also mentions that Vinod Rai, head of the Committee of Administrators (CoA) of the BCCI appointed by the Supreme Court to take over the governance of the BCCI in 2017, and the then BCCI CEO Rahul Johri enjoyed a 'father-son' relationship, where the "father didn't wish to hear anything against his prodigal son".

Kumar claims he brought several issues connected with Johri to the notice of Rai.

"He always gave me a patient hearing and made me feel he was on my side and would discipline Rahul Johri suitably. But I noticed he did nothing of the sort," he writes.

"Looking back at the sequence of events, I continue to be appalled and outraged. The defaulting CEO had conspired with the chief administrator to embarrass me and pass on the blame for his own misdoings to me in a meeting and had shared his plans with a journalist.

"Even more hurtful was that Rai pretended to be on my side only a couple of hours earlier and conducted himself in the meeting along the lines his CEO had scripted for him, even when he knew all the facts," he says.

Kumar also writes that with "Anurag Thakur, who had a tight leash on Johri, gone, the CEO gradually came into his own. Johri, who had political clout with a powerful central minister backing him, became the blue-eyed boy of Rai".

According to the author, the main focus of cricket administrators in India should be to ensure that help - monetary or otherwise - for struggling players at the lower level needing aid reaches only the deserving.

Kumar also writes that Indian fans really get a raw deal.

"There is hardly a stadium that can boast of a world-class spectating facility with clean toilets, availability of hygienic food and refreshments, clean drinking water, parking facilities, smooth accessibility, firefighting equipment, and so on. End of the day, it is on account of the fans that the Board generates enormous revenue, but sadly nobody cares for them.

"The so-called cricket administrators, most of whom have never held a cricket ball or bat in their lives, end up as the main beneficiaries of the monies earned by cricket in this country, at the expense of the fans of the game and the players," he says.

On legalising betting, Kumar writes: "I have always had reservations about this point of view. First, no political party in power would risk legalising betting in sports. It would be widely perceived as giving legal sanction to gambling, which is otherwise a criminal offence.

"But the political fallout of such a move would be substantial and, therefore, it is unlikely to happen any time soon. More importantly, even if the government legalises betting, how many bettors would come forward to place their wagers using 'white money'?"

NDTV

This book seems to have opened up a pandora's box

 

[charlie007]

I would want to believe him, especially given he’s an outsider to all that goes inside Indian cricket administration, but to me it just looks like a he-said-she-said thing that invariably makes it to books. I really disliked Rahul Johri when he was around - reading about his conduct, how he ran things, and the decisions he took: and wanted him out ASAP, so I want to believe there is be some truth here, but like any book that its author wants to sell, at the end of the day it’s just that!

 

[Front Foot Pull]

not sure about the corruption and favours he mentioned but completely agree about the fans getting the raw deal.
not even once did i hear 'fans' or 'fan experience' from bcci. people get baked in the sun with so many stadiums having no roof. do they think india is new zealand or what.
the venue for 3rd test of BGT has been shifted and the announcement had not even a single mention of the fans who made all the arrangements to visit, let alone issuing an apology.

looks like simple thinking. there are a billion of them, doesn't matter if a few thousands get hurt and stop following indian cricket.

 

[happydavy]

not sure about the corruption and favours he mentioned but completely agree about the fans getting the raw deal.
not even once did i hear 'fans' or 'fan experience' from bcci. people get baked in the sun with so many stadiums having no roof. do they think india is new zealand or what.
the venue for 3rd test of BGT has been shifted and the announcement had not even a single mention of the fans who made all the arrangements to visit, let alone issuing an apology.

looks like simple thinking. there are a billion of them, doesn't matter if a few thousands get hurt and stop following indian cricket.

I had mentioned last week in one of my posts that bcci considers Indian cricket fans as jokers and many of those who come on this forum and defend pitch fixing or flaunt of the money bcci or Indian cricketers in IPL make, just prove that. Unfortunately we have a lot of these jokers in India and so BCCI or Indian cricketers have nothing to worry about.

 

[cricketjoshila]

I had mentioned last week in one of my posts that bcci considers Indian cricket fans as jokers and many of those who come on this forum and defend pitch fixing or flaunt of the money bcci or Indian cricketers in IPL make, just prove that. Unfortunately we have a lot of these jokers in India and so BCCI or Indian cricketers have nothing to worry about.

Why don't you tell us about this pitch fixing you are talking about?

IPL is the only place where a cricketer can make money that's comparable to other elite sports.

The only joker is one who is calling others jokers yet won't explain his posts.

 

[Front Foot Pull]

I had mentioned last week in one of my posts that bcci considers Indian cricket fans as jokers and many of those who come on this forum and defend pitch fixing or flaunt of the money bcci or Indian cricketers in IPL make, just prove that. Unfortunately we have a lot of these jokers in India and so BCCI or Indian cricketers have nothing to worry about.

using wrong shoulders here. BCCI does treat fans poorly but don't use that to drive the 'pitch fixing' allegation. also what the hell does that even mean? any board can roll out any pitch. if that doesn't fit the ICC rules then they will rate it below average or poor and give demerit points.
pitch fixing because the ball turns early? by that are SL and BAN fixing their pitches too? also do you even know the bowling average of indian pacers in india for the last 5 years or so?

 

[MenInG]

Goa Crime Branch (CB) busted an online cricket betting racket and arrested four habitual cricket betting bookies, who organized illicit gaming for the Pakistan Super League from Goa.

The raid at a villa in Anjuna was used as a den to operate the illegal activity. Superintendent of Police (CB) Nidhin Valsan informed reporters that Surinder Karla, Rajat Karla, Kashish Karla and Hitesh Karla, all residents of North West Delhi were accepting online bets when the sleuths caught them red-handed.

The customers, also from Delhi, were placing their bets up to Rs 3 lakh on the live cricket match of Pakistan Super League, 2023 played between Lahore Qalandars and Peshawar Zalmi held on February 26 between 7.30 pm and 11 pm.

Five Mobiles phones worth Rs 2 lakh were confiscated for investigation. The accused are booked under Sections 3 and 4 of the Goa Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act 1976 read with Section 120-B of the Indian Penal Code.

https://www.thegoan.net/goa-news/4-arrested-for-betting-racket-on-pakistan-cricket-league/95862.html

 

[MenInG]

The Ludhiana police yesterday arrested two cricket bookies red-handed while they were betting on a cricket match at Mayur Vihar, Hambran Road, here.

The suspects have been identified as Gaurav and Ashish, both residents of Pindi Gali.

Investigating officer in the case ASI Jaspal Singh said a tip-off was received that the two suspects were involved in betting

and they had bought several SIM cards on fake identity proofs.

On February 2, the duo were present at a house in Mayur Vihar where they were betting on a cricket match between Peshawar and Karachi teams being held at Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Jaspal said.

The ASI said some complaints of fraud were also received against the two suspects that despite loosing bets to many people, they had not given money to the winners.

He said during a raid at the house in Mayur Vihar, the police seized Rs 53,200 in cash, one LED TV, two laptops and 11 mobile phones from the spot. Now, further probe into the case would be conducted to get information about their links with other bookies.

Besides registering a case under the Gambling Act, fraud charges under Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) were also added to the FIR.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/ludhiana/2-bookies-held-53k-seized-485066

 

[MenInG]

Royal Challengers Bangalore's star pacer Mohammed Siraj has reported a “corrupt approach” to BCCI's Anti-Corruption Unit earlier this week, according to a report from news agency PTI. The report mentions that an unknown man wanted inside news about the Royal Challengers Bangalore, after he had lost a significant amount of money in an Indian Premier League match. The Team India pacer received a call and immediately reported the matter to ACU officials.

According to a source privy to developments, the call wasn't made from a bookie but a driver from Hyderabad.

"It wasn't a bookie who approached Siraj. It is a driver from Hyderabad who is addicted to betting on matches. He had lost huge money and approached Siraj for inside information. Siraj reported the approach immediately. The law enforcement authorities have nabbed the man. More details are being awaited," a senior BCCI source privy to development told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

Since S Sreesanth, Ankit Chavan and Ajit Chandila were arrested on spot fixing charges along with former CSK team principal Gurunath Meiyappan, the BCCI had beefed up its ACU work.

Each team has a dedicated ACU official who stays in the same hotel and is there at the ground monitoring all the movements. There is also a mandatory ACU workshop for players on dos and don'ts and if any player fails to report corrupt approach, then there are sanctions in place.

Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan was suspended in 2021 as he didn't report a corrupt approach during his IPL stint in the previous season.

Siraj has been producing impressive performances for RCB in the ongoing season, taking 8 wickets in five matches so far. The RCB have had an inconsistent run in their first five games, winning two. The side is currently at eighth spot in the table with four points to its name.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cric...ports-to-bcci-acu-report-101681880313607.html

 

[MenInG]

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has charged umpire Jatin Kashyap with breaching two counts of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code (the “Code”). The breaches arose out of an investigation into International Matches in 2022.

Mr Kashyap has been charged with the following offences under the Code:

A breach of Article 2.4.6 of the Code, failing or refusing, without compelling justification, to cooperate with the Anti-Corruption Unit’s (ACU) investigation in relation to possible Corrupt Conduct under the Code, including (without limitation) failing to provide accurately and completely any information and/or documentation requested by the ACU (whether as part of a formal Demand pursuant to Article 4.3 or otherwise) as part of such investigation.

A breach of Article 2.4.7 of the Code, obstructing or delaying the ACU’s investigation in relation to possible Corrupt Conduct under the Code, including (without limitation) concealing, tampering with or destroying any documentation or other information that may be relevant to that investigation and/or that may be evidence of or may lead to the discovery of evidence of Corrupt Conduct under the Code.

In accordance with Code Article 4.6.6, Mr Kashyap has 14 days from 19 May to respond to the charges. The ICC will not make any further comment in respect of these charges at this stage.

ICC

 

[FearlessRoar]

As per reports, A 23-year-old Tamil Nadu cricketer jumped to death in Chennai after he was given a cold shoulder from the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) franchises.

 

[sweep_shot]

I think so. This corruption has also touched ICC ever since BCCI started to influence it.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Retired IPS Sharad Kumar appointed new head of BCCI’s Anti-Corruption Unit​

Retired IPS officer Sharad Kumar, who headed anti-terror organisation NIA for four years, has been appointed as the new chief of the BCCI’s Anti-Corruption Unit, bringing extensive experience to the role.

Hailing from Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh, the appointment of 68-year-old Kumar was done on October 1 in the cricketing body. BCCI’s ACU head is appointed for a three-year term.

His name was finalised in the BCCI’s Annual General Meeting on September 29, a Board source told PTI.

He is a 1979 batch IPS officer from the Haryana cadre and has had a distinguished career, especially as the chief of the National Investigation Agency from 2013 to 2017.

He will take over from KK Mishra, also a former Haryana cadre IPS officer, who was appointed last year but did not complete his term due to unspecified reasons.

After serving in the NIA, Kumar was appointed as the Vigilance Commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission from June 2018 to April 2020, where he also held the interim position of Central Vigilance Commissioner.

In his new role, Kumar will play a crucial part in addressing corruption issues, including match-fixing and betting scandals, thereby reinforcing the BCCI’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the game.

Retired IPS Sharad Kumar appointed new head of BCCI’s Anti-Corruption Unit

Retired IPS officer Sharad Kumar, who headed anti-terror organisation NIA for four years, has been appointed as the new chief of the BCCI’s Anti-Corruption Unit, bringing extensive experience to the role.

sportstar.thehindu.com

 

[AMSS]

Is corruption endemic in Indian cricket. Yes. The answer is a loud YES.

The corruption at state and district level is beyond belief with scores of genuine talent in age group cricket are turned away in favor of those with bribes and connexions.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Ex-India Star, A T20 World Cup Winner, Speaks Up On Arrest Warrant Over Fraud Case​

After facing an arrest warrant over an alleged provident fund (PF) fraud, former India player Robin Uthappa has broken his silence into the matter. An arrest warrant has been issued against the ex-India star for the alleged fraud in connection with the PF contributions of employees at a clothing company run by him. He has time till December 27 to pay the dues of nearly Rs 24 lakh, or face arrest. While clearing the air on the matter, Uthappa said that his legal advisors will take the necessary steps to resolve the issue.

"In light of recent news of the PF case against me, I would like to provide some clarification with regards to my involvement with Strawberry Lenceria Pvt. Ltd., Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Pvt. Ltd., and Berryz Fashion House.

"In 2018-19, I was appointed as a director in these companies due to my financial contributions to them in the form of loans. However, I did not have an active executive role, nor was I involved in the day-to-day operations of the businesses. Given my demanding schedule as a professional cricketer, TV presenter, and commentator, neither did I have the time nor expertise to participate in their operations. In fact, I do not play an executive role in any other companies I have funded, till date.

"Regrettably, these companies failed to repay the funds I lent them, leading me to initiate legal proceedings, which are currently sub judice. I also resigned from my directorships several years ago.

"When the Provident Fund authorities issued notices demanding payment of dues, my legal team responded, highlighting that I had no role in these companies and provided documentation from the companies themselves confirming my lack of involvement. Despite this, the Provident Fund authorities have continued with proceedings, and my legal advisors will take the necessary steps to resolve this matter in the coming days.

Mr Uthappa is the director of Bengaluru-based Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Pvt Ltd. The company failed to remit the damages of about Rs 23,36,602, which is to be recovered from the former Team India player, said Regional PF Commissioner Sadakshari Gopal Reddy in the arrest warrant issued on December 4.

The 39-year-old former batsman is accused of deducting provident funds from the salary of his employees but not depositing the funds into the accounts of his employees.

Due to non-remittances of dues, this office is unable to settle the Provident Fund Accounts of the poor workers, the letter said, asking the police to arrest Mr Uthappa and return the warrant on or before December 27.

Ex-India Star, A T20 World Cup Winner, Speaks Up On Arrest Warrant Over Fraud Case | Cricket News

After facing an arrest warrant over an alleged provident fund (PF) fraud, former India player Robin Uthappa has broken his silence into the matter.

sports.ndtv.com

 

[Ball Blazer]

Mohammed Azharuddin Slams Hyderabad Cricket Association: 'Rampant Corruption'

Former India captain Mohammed Azharuddin on Wednesday took a massive jibe at the Hyderabad Cricket Association, saying that he is disturbed by the ongoing ticket scam around the Indian Premier League as well as the rampant corruption within the association.

Azharuddin‘s jibe came amidst the arrest of HCA president Jagan Mohan Rao by the CID in Hyderabad on the day.

This development follows the submission of the Vigilance and Enforcement Wing’s report to the Telangana government regarding alleged irregularities related to ticket allocation and governance within the association during IPL 2025.

“I am deeply disturbed by the ongoing IPL ticket scam and rampant corruption within the Hyderabad Cricket Association. The current HCA body has failed its duty and must be held accountable," Azharuddin tweeted on Wednesday night.

A preliminary report validated serious allegations levelled by the Sunrisers Hyderabad against the association, which included intimidation, coercion and blackmail over complimentary tickets and corporate boxes.

“I urge immediate action, a thorough investigation and the disbandment of the current HCA administration. It’s time to clean up the system and restore integrity to Hyderabad cricket," Azharuddin said.

The team alleged that Rao locked a corporate box hours before Hyderabad’s game against the Lucknow Super Giants on March 27 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium and demanded 20 additional complimentary tickets.

Hyderabad claimed that Rao’s actions violated the tri-party agreement with the team, the association and BCCI, which allocates around 4000 complimentary tickets to the association.

The Telangana government had ordered a vigilance inquiry after these accusations and CID registered an FIR against Rao and other association officials after the probe confirmed the allegations of misuse of power and undue pressure on Hyderabad.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1942975028238430326

Source: https://www.news18.com/cricket/moha...ociation-rampant-corruption-ws-l-9431021.html