Bookie racket in IPL finds its origins in the Karnataka Premier League, as ACU nab the scamsters

The bookie racket that recently rocked the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League is said to have its origins in the Karnataka Premier League. As a result, the Anti-Corruption Unit of the BCCI followed the trail of breadcrumbs left behind by betting activities in the KPL to eventually catch hold of the scamsters in Kanpur.

BCCI sources have said that Nayan Shah, a Mumbai-based bookie, is the ringleader of the scandal. Shah is reported to have had a hand in other unrecognized tournaments and leagues in India as well.

According to sources, Nayan Shah had approached a couple of players taking part in the KPL. However, the players in question were prompt to report the approaches to ACU officials.

Although the ACU did not reveal the names of the players who were contacted, it pointed out that the players’ quick action was a result of the player education programme initiated by the ACU. “That was the beginning and we kept track of the activities of these men and if we have succeeded in busting the racket it was because of these players. These are very young players but are mature enough to help the ACU officials,” the source shared.

Betting activity not confined to IPL

The betting activity that shocked the IPL is apparently prevalent in other regional leagues as well. Instances of betting were also reported in the Rajwada Cricket League held in Rajasthan.

Neeraj Kumar, BCCI’s ACU chief, was present at the scene when the police arrested Nayan Shah. They were also able to get hold of his accomplice Vikas Chauhan, and another man Ramesh Singh. Singh was working for a BCCI contractor on the ground hoardings, but at the same time, was trying to help Shah. While Ramesh Singh was arrested at the Green Park Stadium, the other two were held at the Landmark Hotel of Kanpur in room no. 1733.

“It is not part of the BCCI and we did not have to follow it but we kept a watch. This was an outcome of the ACU of the BCCI, having worked closely with various law enforcement agencies, who will continue further investigations, in this matter,” Neeraj Kumar said. He was helped by Angshuman Upadhyaya, who also works for the BCCI’s ACU. They were assisted by the Uttar Pradesh police as well in their efforts to nab the corrupt elements.

GC to meet on May 20

Amid the bookie racket, the governing council of the IPL will meet to take matters forward. The governing council is scheduled to meet in Hyderabad on May 20. The members of the governing council were notified about the meeting on Friday night and are expected to discuss the betting racket in detail.