The ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL 2020) was at the target of the bookies as soon as the tournament was shifted to the UAE and the BCCI anti-corruption unit (ACU) head also said that the bookies had reached the country.
Now a player that is participating in the ongoing IPL 2020 has reported a corrupt approach and has put the BCCI ACU on high alert. The 13th edition of the IPL is being held in the UAE in a bio-secure environment, which has significantly reduced the chance for persons with dubious credentials approaching the player directly.
BCCI ACU chief Ajit Singh confirmed the development to PTI. “Yes (a player has reported approach). We are tracking him. It will take some time,” he said when asked if the alleged corruptor or “Person of Interest” has been nabbed.
IPL 2020: Bookies have reached Dubai, yet to make any headway, reveals BCCI ACU Chief
As per anti-corruption protocols, the name of the player (Indian or overseas) or franchise is not revealed for confidentiality purposes.
The ACU is concentrating more on the possible online corrupt approaches, given that most of the players, especially young ones are on social media and unknown people masquerading as fans try to befriend them.
A senior BCCI official said all the players whether overseas or Indian international, uncapped domestic players have all attended multiple anti-corruption classes.
“The best part is that the player who was approached immediately sensed that something is fishy. He had a suspicion and he immediately shared his concerns with the ACU. Every player, even those who have come from the U-19s are well aware of each and every anti-corruption protocols,” the BCCI official told PTI.
Due to health safety protocols this year, the ACU had organized its mandatory counseling sessions virtually for all the eight teams. Singh is leading an eight-man team in the UAE.
A UK-based company Sportradar has been hired by the BCCI and will offer its “integrity services” to prevent betting and other corrupt practices during the upcoming IPL through its Fraud Detection Services (FDS).
(PTI inputs)
