Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) opinion defender Mohammed Siraj reported a ‘corruption approach’ to BCCI’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU). It was regarding an unidentified man who wanted ‘information’ insider’ about his team after “losing a lot of money” in an IPPL game. Siraj, the Indian pacemaker, the main wicket catcher for RCB with eight IPL wickets, said he received a call and promptly reported the issue to ACU officials, who are part of the teams.
RCB lost the match against Chennai Super Kings to 8 points at Chinnaswamy Stadium with a dizzying change of fortune. Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana put in two assists to limit the home team’s 218/8 lead in a 226 chase and deliver the win for CSK.
(Read Also: The IPL Story – How the Franchise Started 15 Years Ago)
“Not a bookie approached Siraj. A driver of Hyderabad, addicted to match-betting. He lost a large amount of money and approached Siraj for inside information,” A senior BCCI source familiar with the developments told PTI on condition of anonymity. “Siraj informed the approach immediately. Police have arrested the man. Details are pending,” the source added. BCCI has consolidated its ACU network since the scoring scandal, involving S Sreesanth, Ankeet Chavan, Ajit Chandila and later CSK’s Gurunath Meiyappan revealed in 2013.
Each team now has a dedicated ACU manager in the same hotel and on the field to monitor every movement.
In addition, there is a mandatory ACU workshop for players on do’s and don’ts, and if a player fails to report a corrupt approach, penalties will be applicable. Bangladesh’s captain Shakib Al Hasan had suspended for 2021 because he did not report a corrupt approach during his IPL last season.
RCB is currently in eighth position with four points after two wins and three losses.
