Mohammad Kaif says that players aren't affected by the arrest of the bookies

The arrest of three bookies shook the Indian Premier yet again this year after similar incidents previously in the tournament. The police made the arrests after Delhi Daredevils won the match through the book door, thanks to the dismal bowling performance from the Gujarat Lions. The security at the hotel was increased after they got the information.

In the Lions’ camp, the job of speaking to the media was given to the Kanpur’s boy and the assistant coach of the team Mohammad Kaif, which he did fairly well. The team did try to avoid and ignore the buzz around its previous game against Daredevils.

Questions came in left right and centre for Kaif, who said: “The Anti Corruption Unit is looking into the matter. The boys aren’t affected by it in any way and they are focussed on planning for the match. We are more concerned with the performance on field than anything that happens off it. If anything, the close losses we suffered in a few games have affected our players a lot more than such controversies, which have nothing to do with us. Those losses are what are a concern, not this”

Kaif went on to say that the different permutation and combination that was tested by Gujarat Lions’ management. He insisted: ”We know it is crucial for SRH but we are concentrating on our own game and looking to finish off with a win. There will be fresh auctions next year, new teams and new combinations and everyone wants to do his best to impress the franchises and selectors, so there is nothing easy about tomorrow’s game,” Kaif said.

Moody is confident

Sunrisers Hyderabad coach Tom Moody, however, on the other hand, paid no heed towards the incident and insisted that their team was there to win and nothing else. The win would ensure Sunrisers position to the playoffs.

“Certainly we were confident of having a smooth sailing after a fine start, but others too came up with some good performance and we too had to face some defeats. All teams are equal and maintaining consistency is difficult. Still, compared to many others we have done better,” Moody said.

It would be interesting to see how Gujarat Lions play in the game against the defending champions, given that they have the opportunity to spoil the party for the Sunrisers.