The Board of Control for Cricket in India has initiated an inquiry into the allegations of spot-fixing in the IPL by three Rajasthan Royals players.
Ravi Sawani, who heads the BCCI’s anti-corruption unit, has been appointed the commissioner of the inquiry, and a report will be submitted to the BCCI’s disciplinary committee.
“Based on the recommendations, BCCI will take action,” said N. Srinivasan, President, BCCI, addressing the media after an emergency working committee meeting in Chennai. “If the players are found guilty, we will not hesitate to act ruthlessly,” he said, without elaborating.
The big-bucks Indian Premier League tournament received a jolt when players S. Sreesanth, Ankeet Chavan and Ajit Chandila were arrested by the Delhi Police on suspicion of spot-fixing matches in the ongoing edition. The BCCI has sought information from the police for its internal inquiry; it has also offered its assistance to the police.
‘Cannot police them’
“Three individuals are involved. We cannot police them. We are also handicapped over the control of bookies. But the whole of IPL has not gone. We are grateful to the public for coming to the stadium in support of cricket, said Srinivasan.” The Rajasthan Royals management, he added, intends to file a complaint against the players.
Srinivasan promised “strict” measures in the future to monitor players’ behaviour. All players’ agents have to be accredited; an official from the Anti-Corruption and Security Unit will be appointed for each team, along with a security officer; player education will be intensified even at the under-15 and under-17 levels.
At the meeting, Rajasthan Royals was represented by co-owner Manoj Badale. BCCI’s technical committee representative Ravi Shastri also attended the meeting. Former cricketer Anil Kumble joined via video conference.
“The working committee was briefed about the steps taken by the anti-corruption unit to educate players on corruption and how to deal with possible approaches (by bookies),” said Srinivasan.