Is fixing casting its shadow over the IPL again? The Indian Cricket Board has sent a directive to all 10 teams of the tournament amid such concerns. The board has issued a warning regarding a businessman from Hyderabad, advising all teams to remain alert.
It has been stated that this businessman is trying to contact team owners, players, coaches, support staff, and even commentators. Therefore, everyone needs to be extra cautious.
The Indian Cricket Board’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) is keeping a close eye on the entire situation. According to them, the businessman from Hyderabad has links with bookies and has previously attempted to be involved in fixing multiple times. He is believed to be making similar attempts again this season.
As a result, every IPL team has been instructed to ensure that no one associated with the team has any form of contact with this individual.
Teams have been informed that the businessman typically tries to offer expensive gifts, including gold jewelry. Initially, he approaches players pretending to be a fan and invites them to various events. In this way, he tries to build a closer relationship with the players.
Later, he offers them lucrative proposals. Not only players, but he also attempts to connect with their family members and tries to build rapport with relatives living abroad. Hence, players have been strictly instructed to remain highly alert.
The ACSU has also reported that the businessman has been spotted in the stands during several matches this IPL season. He has even visited the hotels where teams are staying. This has heightened suspicions of potential fixing.
Teams have been advised to report any suspicious activity directly to the board. With the advancement of technology, it’s now possible to establish contact without directly approaching players. The board is taking strict measures to prevent this.
The Indian Cricket Board has not revealed the name of the businessman from Hyderabad. It appears they are deliberately keeping the matter confidential.
If the name is made public, the businessman might become cautious and change his methods of contacting players, coaches, support staff, commentators, or their families. That is exactly what the BCCI wants to avoid.
