Match-fixing investigation by police puts KPL on hold

With the police investigating the match-fixing scandal of the Karnataka Premier League (KPL), all of its affair – the tournament as well as the auction – have been put on hold. The tournament, which was started in 2009 on the lines of IPL, has been rocked by the match-fixing allegations. The police have already arrested some big names and are still investigating the matter.

Former Karnataka and IPL player CM Gautam has been the biggest name who has been arrested. The wicketkeeper-batsman was a part of his home franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore, Delhi Capitals (then Delhi Daredevils) as well as four-time champions Mumbai Indians. Another high-profile name arrested was Ranji Trophy player Abrar Kazi. Both the players were allegedly involved in spot-fixing during KPL 2019 finals between Hubli and Bellary.

Prior to Gautam and Kazi, cricketer Nishanth Singh Shekhawat was arrested too by the Karnataka police. Shekhawat was accused of fixing a KPL match in the year 2018 between Bangalore and Belgavi team, in which he allegedly played slow and received Rs 5 lakhs for the same. Reports also suggested that he was the link between the bookies and the team members.

KPL will resume only after the investigation is completed

With the police now investigating the matter, Vinay Mruthyunjaya, the treasurer of Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), has confirmed that KPL will be on hold for the time being. He made it clear that any activity related to the tournament will take place only after the investigation gets over. He is also hopeful that the police will complete their work in time so that the tournament can take place next year.

“All activities related to KPL will resume only after the investigation is completed and we get the final report from the police. We don’t know how much time it will take for the investigation to be completed. But there is still nine months for the next edition to begin, so hopefully, it will be completed by then,” Vinay Mruthyunjaya told Cricbuzz.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Police’s Central Crime Branch has set up a Special Investigation Team to investigate the case. The SIT has been formed within the Central Crime Branch (CCB) that is investigating the KPL fixing scam.

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