Match fixing threat to IPL: Hyderabad businessman with links to bookies under BCCI scanner

BCCI Anti-Corruption Security Unit has urged all IPL stakeholders to report any interactions with the businessman and also disclose any possible connections or engagements with him

HYDERABAD: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), in response to the Anti-Corruption Security Unit’s (ACSU) belief that a businessman from Hyderabad with clear links to punters, bookies and past and proven records of involvement in corrupt activities is trying to tap IPL players, has issued an advisory to all stakeholders of the IPL to stay away from such characters.

“The BCCI has cautioned the owners, players, coaches, support staff, and even commentators that a businessman with dubious credentials is actively seeking to trap individuals involved in the league,” according to a report on cricbuzz.com

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The ACSU has urged all IPL stakeholders to report any interactions with the businessman and also disclose any possible connections or engagements with him.

The ACSU is also understood to have urged all parties involved in the league to exercise caution. Teams and individuals have been asked to remain alert and report any relevant approaches. The individual’s modus operandi is said to involve luring unsuspecting targets with expensive gifts, including jewellery, it is mentioned in the report.

“The individual in question is reportedly attempting to get himself close to the IPL participants by masquerading as a fan. He has allegedly been spotted at the team hotels and in the matches, making efforts to befriend players and staff, and inviting potential targets to private parties. There is also information about him offering gifts not only to team members but also to their families,” the report explained.

“One of the methods reportedly employed by him involves approaching family members of franchise owners, players, coaches, support staff, and even commentators. He is said to have been offering to take them to jewellery stores and high-end hotels, posing as a fan. There are also indications that he may have attempted to contact relatives living abroad, often through social media platforms,” the Cricbuzz report explained.

“Previously, the ACSU had told the teams that advancing technology has increased their challenges and urged all involved in the league to be alert. Seeking cooperation from all, the BCCI said it is determined and committed to taking every step in its power to prevent corrupt practices that undermine the integrity of the sport of cricket,” according to the report.