TNPL under BCCI's scanner for links between players and bookies
The Tamil Nadu Premier League, a franchise-based T20 league of the state of Tamil Nadu, is under the scanner of the BCCI. There are reports of certain players being contacted by bookies. The issue has taken center stage due to alleged involvement of an Indian player, an IPL regular, along with a coach of a Ranji team. Here are further details about this development.
As per a report by The Indian Express, sources have revealed that bookies, along with match-fixers, made an illegal deal with the owners of a team. As a result, it is bookies, who are running the team to make windfall through betting. It is also believed that this could have a serious impact on the league, as bookies are influencing other teams as well.
Meanwhile, the BCCI's Anti-Corruption Unit Chief Ajit Singh has confirmed that some of the players informed that they were approached by bookies. Further, their statements have been recorded as on when they were approached and under what circumstances. "Usually, the messages come on WhatsApp, so we are trying to establish IDs. We haven't questioned any team owners, yet," said Ajit, a former Rajasthan DGP.
Meanwhile, the report also adds that the ACU investigators believe that a consortium of bookies has been in touch with the owner of a team. They also believe that the bookies are Gujarat and Kolkata-based, while a fixer was previously involved in the Rajputana Cricket League, as he was among 14 people arrested in the 2017 spot-fixing case.
As per reports, the owner of an alleged team received Rs. 4 crore in exchange of the control of the team. The fixer was looking for information about players in order to have the ability to manipulate and make money through betting. Meanwhile, a coach was presented with a diamond set, as he made a deal of Rs. 25 lakh.
Meanwhile, the ACU has also labeled a player as 'dubious'. Notably, that player is a renowned First-Class cricketer and an IPL regular. Sources have also revealed that he was trying to influence other players before the start of the 2019 season. Meanwhile, a probe has even stated that bookies and fixers are involved in deciding the squad during the draft.
