After TNPL, players participating in KPL and T20 Mumbai League approached for match-fixing

The ugly ghost of match-fixing has returned to haunt Indian cricket yet again. After some players participating in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) reported the news that some unknown people were approaching them to corrupt and bring the name of cricket down. Now, it has come to the notice of BCCI that players from other domestic T20 leagues are also being targeted.

BCCI’s Anti-Corruption Unit chief Ajit Singh mentioned that some players from KPL 2019 and T20 Mumbai league were approached by unknown persons and they have reported matters to BCCI. Singh also said that BCCI is looking into this rather serious and worrying matter with immediate effect.

BCCI has taken control of anti-corruption operations of local T20 leagues

“Some players have been approached during the Karnataka Premier League and they have reported the matter. We are also enquiring into the approach made to a player in the Mumbai T20 league”, BCCI official Singh was quoted by Hindustan Times as saying. Singh also informed that BCCI has taken the domestic leagues under the scanner of anti-corruptions from last season. “From the last season onwards, we have taken over the anti-corruption operations of the local T20 leagues,” Singh further said.

On Monday, 16th September 2019, TNPL players complained about being approached by strange people for match-fixing offers. Some cricketers were approached through WhatsApp messages too. The BCCI official had informed that he is keeping a close eye on the cricketers being approached to fix games and also has started investigating who has sent such messages to the players.

BCCI is pretty serious in ensuring this issue gets resolved. They are also not ruling out the involvement of match officials in this matter. A woman cricketer reported the fact that she was approached recently to throw a game and that was sent to the ICC. And now an official complaint has been lodged with Bengaluru police for this.

It is a matter of great concern that the ugly face of match-fixing has resurfaced. But it’s also a positive sign that players themselves have reported such instances to the BCCI. It goes to show that they are serious and committed to not making such mistakes that could jeopardize their career completely.