Match-Fixing Indian Cricket: BCCI Fights Match-Fixing: Believe it or not, BCCI is currently deliberating a ‘VERY RADICAL’ proposal by Anti Corruption & Security Unit (ACSU) to stop match-fixing in Indian cricket. A proposal has been tabled by BCCI’s ACSU chief, according to which they require high-tech devices and snooping tools to spy on officials and players. InsideSport has learnt that the proposal has completely miffed some of the top BCCI officials and cricketers alike.
“Yes, it is true that Shabir saab has proposed a great many things. But we are still reviewing the proposal. Some of it has outraged many and some are debatable. So, we will take a call after discussing it with the stakeholders. We also have to take into account the privacy of players and officials,” a BCCI official told InsideSport.
BCCI is going to go the lengths to prevent match-fixing in domestic cricket.
How, might you ask? The answer is mind-boggling, by deploying spy tools, mobile forensic equipment.
That is what BCCI’s ACSU chief Shabir Hussein Shekhadam Khandwawala had asked for through BCCI’s CEO Hemang Amin in BCCI’s Annual General Meeting on December 4. But it has miffed some officials.
As per a Newslaundry report, the former Director-General of Gujarat Police has asked for enhanced equipment to control fixing.
It will involve spy cameras, concealed recorders, high-resolution binoculars, and monoculars amongst other things.
InsideSport reached out to two BCCI officials on the requirements and could confirm that it is still under discussion.
What are ACSU chief’s demands?
- A dedicated and secure Storage Locker to safe keep confidential information and inquiry reports.
- A separate seating should be arranged for the ACSU officials in the BCCI office.
- To be able to conduct operations, the ACSU officials would require specialised equipment to capture conversations and activities of ‘fixers’ and other persons of interest.
- ACSU needs to procure: Video Cameras for recording interviews, Audio recorders, point-and-click cameras, Concealed voice recorders, Concealed video recorders, Mobile forensics equipment for downloading and analysing Mobile phone data
- Portable printers — to enable Investigators to conduct interviews and take signed statements from individuals.
- High resolution – Monoculars/Binoculars
BCCI’s match-fixing problem
With over 2000 matches a year (in non-Covid period), BCCI has tried its best to cut down on corrupt practices with the ACSU unit watching over 90% of the matches and introducing a helpline number for players to report such practices.
But it hasn’t always been successful. The T20 leagues from state associations have been breeding grounds for match-fixing.
In 2019, the Karnataka Premier League, which has some high-profile cricketers including Manish Pandey, and Karun Nair amongst others came under the scanner for betting and fixing. Multiple cricketers and officials were questioned and arrested during the investigation.
During the investigations, it was clear that the number of ACSU officials in those state association-run leagues was not enough to stop corrupt approaches. A BCCI official told InsideSport that the board will do everything in its power to stop such practices and will strengthen the ACSU.
“We have a zero-tolerance policy for corrupt approaches. We have a robust ACSU unit and officials who are always available to help the players. We have conducted multiple sessions for players. So, we will do everything in our power to strengthen the ACSU,” the official told InsideSport.
Players Not Pleased with BCCI’s Proposal
However, many players are not happy with spying on them to stop corrupt approaches. A Karnataka cricketer who was part of the KPL told InsideSport that while he did support strong measures including life ban, he was against spying on them.
“Absolutely, there is no doubt it still takes place despite BCCI’s strict measures. But will I be comfortable under surveillance knowingly or unknowingly, I am not sure. I think, in the name of stopping fixing, one cannot infringe anyone’s private space. It has to be respected,” the current Karnataka Ranji player told InsideSport.
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