The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday suspended five cricketers, T.P. Sudhindra (Deccan Chargers), Mohnish Mishra (Pune Warriors), Shalabh Srivatsava and Amit Yadav (both Kings XI Punjab) and Abhinav Bali (Delhi Giants in the erstwhile Indian Cricket League) from all forms of the game till a special panel completes a preliminary enquiry into alleged corrupt deals.
Following a sting operation by news channel India TV that showed these cricketers allegedly entering into murky, illicit practices, an emergency meeting of the IPL Governing Council, via video-conferencing, was convened.
After deliberations lasting around six hours, the Council said Ravi Sawani, head of BCCI's anti-corruption wing, would table his findings in 15 days.
BCCI secretary Sanjay Jagdale said Board president N. Srinivasan had “immediately” appointed Mr. Sawani (retired CBI officer and former Head of Anti Corruption and Security Unit, ICC) as the Commissioner to make a preliminary inquiry as per Rule 32 (ii) of the Memorandum and Rules and Regulations of BCCI on the involvement of players in illegal activities or activities against the interests of the BCCI and the game.
The Commissioner's report would be forwarded to the BCCI's Disciplinary Committee for a probe.
Pune Warriors suspend Mishra
Meanwhile, Mishra has been suspended by Pune Warriors. The franchise said: “Mohnish accepted that the statements made by him on camera were made casually to develop his value or maybe he wanted to be pompous in front of others. He has not received any amount in cash from Sahara. He has apologised for his frivolous and incorrect statements. He will not take any further part in the IPL.”
Through secret cameras and recorded telephonic conversations — an undercover reporter posed as a representative of a player management firm — the channel alleged the cricketers were willing to accept money for deliberate no-balls in domestic matches including the IPL or allegedly sought under-the-table IPL deals that far exceeded the cap for uncapped players (the domestic players who had not played international cricket for India).
When the story broke on Monday, Mr. Srinivasan said, if there was any truth in it, “we would take action.” And IPL COO Sundar Raman requested for the complete footage of the tape.
Sudhindra allegedly wanted Rs. 40,000 for bowling a no-ball. The channel showed the paceman overstepping by a huge margin in an Indore T20 league match. Srivatsava, a left-arm seamer, was recorded on telephone, allegedly demanding Rs. 10 lakh for sending down a no-ball in an IPL game.
Mohnish Mishra, a top-order batsman, allegedly revealed he had been paid Rs. 1.50 crore by Pune Warriors, while the maximum salary cap for an uncapped domestic Indian cricketer was Rs. 30 lakh. Sahara India, the franchise owner, has denied paying money in black to buy Mishra.
The 28-year-old Sudhindra was the highest wicket-taker in the last Ranji Trophy season with 40 scalps at 18.70 bowling for Madhya Pradesh. And the 28-year-old Mishra, who too turns out for the same State, made 470 runs at 47.00. The 30-year-old Srivatsava, who represents Uttar Pradesh, has 130 first class wickets.
Srivatsava denied the allegations and said he would initiate legal action against the television channel.
Editor-in-Chief and Chairman of India TV Rajat Sharma stood by the story. He said “we have been vindicated by the fact that the BCCI has suspended five players.” He added “as far as my knowledge goes, no member of Indian cricket team is involved in any wrongdoing.”
Keywords: spot-fixing, India TV sting, IPL
IPL isn't encouraging anyone to become corrupt. IPL is a wonderful platform for showcase of talent and provides international exposure to Indian players. Besides, it makes the player rich, so what? It secures their future and make money out of the talent they are gifted with.
The question is integrity and it starts all at home. If parents teach proper lessons in integrity and honesty and be a model citizens, their kids will obviously learn and practice that. You should teach your children that Integrity and honesty is non-negotiable then the society will slowly become corruption free. Greed is the root cause for all and it starts at home, nip it in bud you will reap the benefits in future.
@Pandi, All these players are ex-ICL players, could that also be the back of BCCI's mind
Almost everyone knows that IPL matches are fixed. The main culprit is the BCCI. (Like Congress government and Raja in 2G)Just for the sake, investigation prob is on. Most of the BCCI members are corrupted politicans. BCCI's main vision is to suck money from the cricket fans in the brand name of IPL. Its pure business for the Franchise owners. They will earn more than what we expect. Win or Loss is just up to the fans.
History keeps repeating itself. Not surprised.
Even the smallest institutions have anti-competition and conflict-of-interest policies. As many have subscribed, N Srinivasan should take call...either be BCCI President or CSK Owner...definitely not both posts. So long as he does serious allegations will be levelled against him. His investigation by BCCI is just a sham...you think the commiteee has the guts to summon N Srinivasan in his role as franchise owner.
India TV does not have the guts to go after the big fish...he went after the small fish for cheap publicity. CBI or Police or SC (through a PIL) should take over this case as it relates to national interest. N Srinivasan - Are you listening?
i already known this because when players easily missing the catches,in important situation suddenly putting no balls,it seems to be doing purposely.we should strictly avoid these type of activities.
Poor chaps punished hard!BCCI's strong symbolic action,it knows when and whome to hit!
This IPL is mere waste of time and money.I dont understand why do people pay so much for these useless game and these stupid players. Cricket has to be banned.Atleast people will spend some quality time in real games like foot ball and hockey.
Not only such investigation, but even compliance, performance and
monetary audit should be performed for which there should be an
invocation of CAG.
Ravi Sawani is no spring-chicken. He is hardly likely to go wrong.
I am regularly watching IPL matches. Few days ago one of my friend's son who is a student, came to my home while I was watching the match. He told me that every ball and run in IPL is money. I thought it is because people pay money to see the matches. Now it has become in other way. I am just remembering the days of Kapil Dev and Gavaskar and other giants and positive metamorphosis that has taken place in the game of cricket. It is very sad to know the recent developments. It is right time to think that cricket and other sports as games, not as business. I hope that the authorities will take steps to save cricket.
I dont understand why this is an issue, obviously they wil pay more than 30laks for a contracted player, expensive gifts will be given, isnt this how all businesses happen in our country ? Its silly on bcci part to put a cap on players remuneration. Obvsly no one knows how much was paid for Gayle or other players, there is no cap, what is the problem in making it public. When you know our country is number 1 in corruption why make such senseless rules, just make betting legal, let players remuneration be decided by owners, no caps, no rules, like the EPL.. only rule is spot-fixing or match-fixing will be punishable to death, i mean forever ban from playing even in the streets
Do you think only these five are the involved in fixing the game. wrong...For me whole IPL series is a fixing...It show how fool our young generations to believe IPL is a game.
The cause of this problem is simple. It is not too much money in the game. It is BCCI's clever idea to create an IPL caste system of India players and non-India players. The fixers are just going after the weak link in the chain.
Likely every non-India player is being payed many multiples of his official salary. For eg. the Goan left arm spinner who plays for CSK, he has won two championships for the team. Why would he accept a 30 lakh salary? 30 lakhs may be high for most of us, but not so for people with a rare in-demand skill.
It is high time the Sports Authorities stop pampering cricket which is only a money-
spinner and not a game when compared to other sports like hockey, football etc
which we all know receives a step-motherly treatment. Like opium the younger
generation are getting addicted to cricket which, if not checked now itself, will have an adverse impact on the future of the nation. Every parent has a special responsibility herein in the interest of their children.
India is drenched in corruption and cricketers are no exception. If they found guilty, they must be punished severely. Greed and corruption should not have any place in the society.
This sting operation was done by India television channel, the most untrustworthy channel in Hindi. Do not ruin the careers of some promising and aspiring cricketers on this basis. It be grossly unjust
A classic chess move! Sacrifice the pawns to save the queen!
Hardly surprising. Are they just scapegoats?
Why are people taking India tv, channel seriously?
This is sign of the Times! Bribe taking at its best!!
Having a look at their performances in the domestic cricket(expect Sudhindra) , It
is very clear that none of these cricketers are gifted with the talent to make it big at highest level of the game and that could have easily allured them in to a black deed of this kind. It's a surprise to see something like this after witnessing the verdict in the infamous spot fixing scandal that banned young pakistani cricketers. Nevertheless,the salaries of the uncapped cricketers certainly deserves a revival.Moreover, It is not fair to do a finger pointing exercise at IPL its very existence brought untapped talent to the fore and few of them deserve lot more than what is being paid. However, zero tolerance on corruption is the way to go and the correct message is being sent across to all sportsmen across all levels.
As i read in one of the above comment and i totally agree that we
public should be the first to take this serious issue in hand by avoid
watching this IPL whose each and every game seems to be fixed. No one be it be players or organizers is averse to plethora of money flowing in through betting and various means.All these owners are businessman and all they care about is money , we should realize this palpable truth and most of the people by now would have known by now the credibility of IPL.Now that finally some evidence has been unearthed i hope in the future we'll get to see the more clear picture of this fraud-stricken game.
News of corruption on daily basis in each and every sphere of life in India has made me to think that have really morally degraded?? Here in India, people are ready to accept bribes of even Rs. 10!! The upper limit of bribe is not yet defined :) :)
Once upon a time I used to watch each and every cricket match, because not only I enjoyed the game, but also I had a great sense of respect for these players. But not anymore, every time some unexpected result comes out of a match (like Bangladesh defeating India or Srilanka) a feeling comes to mind that the match could have been fixed!!
All these players must have been earning a very descent amount of money along with the much fun-fare..But still they couldn't control their avarice..It is really shameful that Indian cricketers who probably get more salary than any of their counterparts are doing such a mean job!! Where our country is heading towards!!!
Why should the players alone be blamed? The authorities who made the
sport into a business is also responsible. Stop selling cricket and let
the players play for victory rather than money.
Even offering bribe is illegal. It is tempting someone to do mistake. The three players who refused to take bribe, should have lodged a complaint against the ones who offered them bribes. .
I was knowing this from much earlier, so much money is being poured in it.
This very concept is useless in itself. Say no to IPL
With corruption prevalent in every walk of life the ethical fiber of the cricketers can least be expected to not be besmirched. In the event the uncertainty of making it to the highest level these upcoming cricketers have slumped to the nadir of their promising careers falling prey to lucre & lass [or should it be in reverse order. Their on camera confession also appears to cast light on the franchisee/s, alluding that they have crowned themselves with some inglorious deeds.
IPL matches are obviously fixed. That should be evident from 'last ball'
victories, and many surprising results conveniently 'blamed' on the
'glorious uncertainty of cricket'. These matches are similar to the
WWF boxing matches on TV. Only gullible kids get taken in. While
cricketers get richer and richer they also become better and better
actors on the field.
It is high time people wake up to this farce and boycot IPL matches.
No big deal this; corruption in cricket and other sports going on for long without being exposed; commonwealth games scam all know; sport has now become a money spinner and not entertainment with capability; pity;
Only the players and inside organisers know the extent of hush money involved in selection and secret cannot come into open UNLESS sincere honest person is willing to confess; that will harm his income eh ! Who will bell the cat; only the public who can reduce their support for the fixed up game and show more interest in others like football hockey etc which are Indian specialities - can be played in remote villages and good talent spotted for international contests; STOP sponsoring cricket and adoring the players; automatically better news will greet us for sure !! An old fan of gentleman game write this !
Once again the credentials of the cricket and cricketer are at stake.
This is not surprising at all.... I would have been surprised if IPL was corruption free.
India is mother of all types of Corruptions.
Best thing is to legalise betting in cricket also.Already cricket has followed the happenings in another great sport horse racing.
The players are chosen by auction like horses.The owners of the
teams appoint trainers also in the horse racing.The players bowling and batting averages are being displayed like the weight
of the horses and the jockeys' winning records.The pitch report
is as imporant as the turf tips.The owners get money in the events
and they sell the franchise like the racing.So it would be in order
if the spectators are allowed to bet for win and places and also for the jackpot(final cup).The ladies would also like this idea
since they go tp IPL only for fun and spending.
chennai
camp dubai
15 th may
so sad of this players, also we know IPL is for betting, can BCCI suspend the teams who involved in this spot fixing? definitely not! IPL full of fixing, betting and scam. Trade is the only main thing they concentrate in IPL.
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