State cricket bodies go silent over the talks of legalising betting and gambling

The majority of the State cricket associations have opted to go mute over the letter from the Law Commission of India two months back, expecting their views on a recommendation from the Justice R M Lodha Committee to legalise betting  and gambling. Interestingly, some of the bodies are expected to hold meetings to discuss the subject.

Certain office bearers have spoken in favor of legalising betting, as they feel it will help in curbing down all the underhand dealings and a step to shot down the black market which encourages the silent scam. Apart from that many believed that it will add to government’s revenue.

In a letter dated July 31, Sanjay Singh, member secretary, Law Commission of India, wrote to the BCCI and state associations that the Supreme Court has mandated the Commission to study the possibility of legalising betting in India.

“The recommendation made by the Commission that betting should be legalised by law involves the enactment of a law, which is a matter that may be examined by the Law Commission and the Government for such action as it may consider necessary in the facts and circumstances of the case,” the letter reads.

Stressing on a quick repsonse, the letter states, “May I add here that keeping in view the intertwining nature of betting and gambling, the Commission has decided to consider examination of both, the betting and gambling. I would, therefore, request you to forward the views of your association on the matter to the Commission at the earliest, as we would like to submit our report in line with the directions of the Supreme Court, at an early date.”

SCA stands up

Saurashtra Cricket Association is the only state body to have reverted to the letter, and in reply SCA honorary joint secretary Madhukar Worah wrote that such a step will question the sport’s credibility.

“It is our belief, as also our deep concern, that legalisation of betting will, both directly and indirectly, enhance and encourage the vice and the tendency of gambling in rather unrestricted manner,” Worah wrote.

“The temptation to earn easy money through betting will be very much detrimental to economically weaker as also illiterate sections of the society. Besides, this will also indirectly encourage the menace of match-fixing and other undesirable anti-social elements,” he replied.