Three cricketers of India, one of whom fast bowler S Sreesanth had represented India in international matches, have been arrested by police on charges of spot-fixing.
New Delhi, May 16/Nationalturk- In a major embarrassment for cricket-mad country India, three cricketers of the country, one of whom fast bowler S Sreesanth had represented India in international matches, have been arrested by police on charges of spot-fixing.
“Police arrested three cricketers Sreesanth, Ankeet Shivan, 27, and Ajit Chandila, 29 in two separate raids in Mumbai,” sources said.
They said the operation was carried out by Delhi Police after they had arrested seven bookies in Mumbai and three other bookies in Delhi in connection with the spot-fixing.
A case has been registered at the police station in Mumbai under sections 420 (cheating) and 120 b (criminal conspiracy) against the players, who are in the custody of Delhi police.
30-year-old Sreesanth had played 27 tests and 53 ODIs for India.
Media reports quoting official sources said Delhi Police had been tapping phone calls of several bookies and cricketers, and incriminating evidence has been found against the three players for their involvement in spot-fixing.
Reports said police have video evidence where players are making promises to bookies.
Sources said two foreign players are also under scanner and may be questioned by police also. Although their names have not been revealed as yet, sources said their name is believed to have cropped up in the phone interceptions that led to the arrest of the cricketers.
Players belong to IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals
All the three arrested players belonged to 20/20 Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Rajasthan Royals. The 6th edition of IPL (20 overs cricket) is underway and Rajasthan Royals owned by film actress Shilpa Shetty and her businessman husband Raj Kundra have reached quarterfinals.
A statement issued by IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals said, “We have been informed that thee of our players have been called in for investigation on spot fixing in matches. We are completely taken by surprise”.
It said the franchise was in touch with Indian cricket board (BCCI). “We will fully cooperate with the authorities to ensure a thorough investigation. The management at Rajasthan Royals has a zero-tolerance approach to anything that is against the spirit of the game.”
Meanwhile, BCCI has suspended the trio – Sreesanth, Ankeet Chavan and Ajit Chandila after they were taken by police for questioning because of their alleged involvement in spot-fixing (corruption) in the IPL.
Spot fixing is the manipulation of a particular ball or wicket in a cricket tournament, which is then betted upon.
Betting on sports is illegal in India but is allegedly big business in the IPL and is run by underground syndicates in Mumbai and other parts of the country. Sources said bookies often operate out of vehicles now to avoid detection.
Pure greed: Former Australian cricketer
The former Australian cricketer and cricket analyst Dean Jones termed the spot-fixing incident as “pure greed”.
“How much (more) money does the cricketers want? Where does this money go, surely not in their banks,” wondered Jones.
He felt spot-fixing may not influence the result of a match in a big way, but “changes the scorecard.”
The former Indian wicket-keeper Syed Kirmani said stringent measures should be taken against the guilty players.
“The guilty players should be awarded a minimum of 12 years in jail. Till some players get this punishment, this cheating will continue,” said Kirmani.
Write your comments and thoughts below
Faiz Ahmad / NationalTurk India News
[adrotate banner=”41″]
