The BCCI on Tuesday termed the alleged spot—fixing scandal in the Indian Premier League and other domestic competitions as 'disturbing', and said it would take strict action against those found guilty of indulging in corrupt practices.
“The footage that was shown by the television channel was very disturbing,” BCCI chief admisnistrative officer Ratnakar Shetty said.
“There has been immediate action proposed by the BCCI president, and strong action will be taken against those found guilty,” he added.
The channel, India TV, claimed it had done a sting operation in which many IPL players confessed on hidden camera that they get much more than their prescribed auction.
According to the channel, its operation also revealed that spot—fixing is not only prevalent in IPL, but also that first class matches are fixed and women played an important role in match—fixing.
“We will not tolerate any such thing. BCCI has zero tolerance when it comes to corruption and dope related issues.
The footage was very disturbing for the BCCI,” said Shetty.
Shetty also said that BCCI president N Srinivasan has asked the television channel for the CD to see the 'complete footage' of the ‘sting operation’, in order to examine it thoroughly.
“The Board has written a letter to the channel and has asked for the CD, and access to whatever was displayed.
The BCCI will fully inquire into the issue,” he insisted.
Meanwhile, IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla also said that strict action will be taken against players involved in any act of corruption.
“We have the meeting of the governing council at 14.30 today (Tuesday). We will not tolerate any such activities and whatever report we receive, we will take very strict action based on it. In the past also, BCCI has not spared anyone,” Shukla said.
Asked if the ICC’s anti—corruption has sought a report from the BCCI on this issue, Shukla said, “This is a domestic tournament, so the ICC doesn’t ask for a report on this. But we have asked ICC’s Anti—Corruption Unit to look into the matter.”
Kings XI Punjab player Shalabh Srivastava, Mohnish Mishra of Pune Warriors, T P Sudhindra of Deccan Chargers and Amit Yadav of Kings XI Punjab were the players who were shown in the sting operation.
