KPL's Belagavi Panthers owner arrested for alleged betting: Details here
What's the story
The owner of Belagavi Panthers of the Karnataka Premier League (KPL) was arrested on Tuesday in Bengaluru by the Central Crime Branch (CCB). As per reports, Ali Asfak Thara was allegedly involved in betting during the tournament and has been booked under Karnataka Police Act for gambling. Panthers had won the KPL during the 2017-18 season. Here are further details on this.
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Karnataka Police have sufficient evidence to prove Thara guilty
"The team owner was found to be indulging in betting during the matches. We have sufficient evidence to show that he was betting," joint commissioner of police (crime) Sandeep Patil was quoted as saying to ESPNCricinfo.
Possible fixing
Police to investigate possible match-fixing
Speaking further on the issue, Patil has said that there would be further investigations as to if there was a possible match-fixing involved. Thara had admitted that he was in contact with a bookie. "He placed bets with a bookie who is allegedly in Dubai. If a team owner bets, we have to see if the was any kind of match-fixing also," added Patil.
Further investigation
Police to speak with players and team management as well
As a part of the further investigation, Patil has also confirmed that the police would speak to the players and the team management on the same. Thara was reportedly also in contact with players of other teams during the tournament. "Based on the police report, the ACU will check what all violations have been conducted under our code," said ACU head Ajit Singh Shekhawat.
Player opinions
Players were apparently aware of Thara's wrongdoings
As per a report in The Indian Express, a number of players in the tournament were apparently aware of the wrongdoings by Thara, as some of them chose to stay away. A player also raised concerns over fans from Haryana watching KPL in Hubli. "Definitely fishy; illegal betting and what not, we players have our doubts and would chat about it," said a player.
TNPL too
TNPL too under BCCI scanner for corruption claims
Asides the KPL, the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) is under the scanner of the BCCI of late as well, following 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, as the ACU is investigating.