IPL Under CBI Scanner: Did Betting Network Influence 2019 Results With Pak Inputs?

Mumbai: The money-spinning Indian Premier League (IPL) is under Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) scanner for alleged betting and match-fixing.

The central agency has filed two cases to investigate betting network that may have been active during the 2019 IPL on allegations that “a network of individuals involved in cricket betting are influencing the outcome of Indian Premier League (IPL) matches based on input received from Pakistan.”

“In the garb of betting related to IPL matches, they are cheating the general public by inducing them into betting,” CBI stated in the FIR.

The CBI conducted searches at various locations in Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Hyderabad in connection with the cases. According to a PTI report, CBI has booked seven suspected punters.

CBI has said that the accused opened bank accounts with fake identities, Know Your Customer (KYC) documents and forged details, including multiple dates of birth, without due diligence by bank officials.

“A part of the money received from the general public in India for such betting activities was also shared with associates based in foreign countries using hawala transactions. As per the information, the said network of individuals are involved in cricket betting since 2013,” the FIR read.

Two accused persons – Delhi resident Dileep Kumar and Hyderabad-based Gurram Satish – and their associates were allegedly in touch with a Pakistan-based suspect through a Pakistani phone number. Irregular financial activities have been reportedly found.

CBI has also booked Rajasthan residents Sajjan Singh, Prabhu Lal Meena, Ram Avtar, Amit Kumar Sharma along with unknown bank officials and other persons.

IPL was rocked by spot-fixing and betting scandal in 2013 when three players, including former Team India pacer Sreesanth, were arrested. In 2015, Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals were suspended for two years as their owners were found to be involved in the 2013 corruption scandal.