As match-fixing rocked Karnataka Premier League, the state cricket association has announced the suspension of the Belagavi Panthers franchise, whose owner Ali Ashfaq Thara is among the six people arrested so far in connection with the scandal.
The announcement came on a day when C M Gautam, a first-class player who turned up for three IPL teams, and his former Karnataka teammate Abrar Qazi of Bellary Tuskers were arrested for allegedly accepting money for spot-fixing in the KPL matches.
So far six people have been arrested in the KPL match-fixing probe. The scandal was exposed after Thara’s arrest recently.
Also Read: KPL fixing scandal: Bellary Tuskers captain, one more cricketer arrested
“Based on the initial investigation report, the KSCA has suspended the owners of the franchise – Belagavi Panthers, one of the franchises of the Karnataka Premier League (KPL).
In case they are found guilty, their franchise will be terminated,” the Karnataka Cricket Association said in a statement here.
The KSCA said that any other franchise, players, match officials, and support staff who are arrested with aprima facie evidence of their involvement in any illegal activity will be suspended immediately and if found guilty, appropriate and stringent action will be taken forthwith.
The state cricket body said it has been extending all possible cooperations to the investigating police in unearthing any such incidents and for taking appropriate action against those who have committed illegal acts.
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Asserting that it was committed to organizing cricket tournaments that are fair and transparent that would enhance the credibility of the sport, the brand, and the organization, the KSCA said it cannot condone any illegal activities such as betting and match-fixing.
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