The Board of Control of Cricket under India’s Anti-Corruption Unit has issued a word of caution to all franchise owners and players of the Indian Premier League (IPL). They are warned of a Hyderabad-based businessman who has attempted to contact the participants to lure them into illegal activities according to a Cricbuzz report.
BCCI has instructed the participating teams to report any communication, if made, by the businessman of ‘dubious credentials’. As per the Anti-Corruption Security Unit (ACSU) the person has alleged links to bookies and punters with a past record of involvement in corrupt practices.
His modus operandi was identified as luring his contacts with expensive material gifts and invites to private parties. He has reportedly been seen at several team hotels in an attempt to befriend players and members of the match staff. He is also known to contact the family members of players or influential members in the franchise team like coaches, staffs and even owners.
The report also mentions him contacting the relatives who lived abroad through social media and offering them the luxuries of high end jewellery and high-end hotels. While illegal actions and betting is not uncommon during IPL matches, the Central Bureau of Investigation’s work is underway to uncover the Mahadev app betting scam in Chhattisgarh.
The ACSU has urged the teams to remain extra-vigilant to avoid unfortunate events later and declare any past communication with the businessman, if any. By pretending to be a fan, the man is also seen trying to get close to the IPL players. BCCI has made it clear that it is dedicated to doing everything in his power to stop corrupt practices that hamper the integrity of the game.