'The KPL match-fixing scam probe is heading towards Indian Premier League' - Bhaskar Rao

Karnataka Premier League match-fixing and betting scam have rocked the cricketing fraternity after some high profile arrests being made by the Criminal Crime Branch in the last couple of months. And now, Bhaskar Rao, Bengaluru City Police Commissioner has opened up saying that their investigation is now heading towards the IPL and this scam has turned out to be bigger than their expectations.

Until now, police have made nine high profile arrests that include Bellary Tusker skipper CM Gautam and their batsman Abrar Kazi, who were suspected to have received 20-20 lakh rupees from the bookies for playing slow in the final of KPL 2019 played between Bellary Tuskers and Hubli Tigers. Also, they have taken Ali Asfak Thara into their custody, the owner of Belagavi Panthers.

Bengaluru Police Commissioner opines on KPL fixing scam

In a recent interview given to The New Indian Express, Bhaskar Rao, Bengaluru Police Commissioner stated that their investigation is now heading towards the Indian Premier League. The KPL scam activities cannot affect the reputation of IPL. But, it is surprising to watch that the anti-corruption unit of BCCI is still tight-lipped. They are yet to get active and lodged their official investigation in relation to fixing. However, Sourav Ganguly has suspended the league till the Criminal Crime Branch investigation gets completed.

“The probe in KPL match-fixing is heading towards IPL matches. IPL cannot be insulated from KPL activities. We are surprised at the silence of the anti-corruption unit in the BCCI, despite the new BCCI president, Sourav Ganguly, saying the KPL will be kept under suspension till the investigation is complete,” Bhaskar Rao said.

The police commissioner also added the fact that there are many players and team management on their radar. So, far they have arrested nine people and the count is expected to increase in the upcoming days. Meanwhile, they have booked four cases during their investigation.

“It’s huge. Cricket has been hijacked by gamblers, bettors and fixers. We have arrested nine people, including the owner of ‘Belagavi Panthers’ Ali Asfak Thara and team coach Sudheendra Shinde. The investigation has revealed the complicity of many more people, including players, officials, team and event managers. They are on our radar. We have booked four cases already,” he added.