A player currently part of the IPL 2020 edition in UAE has reported a corrupt approach but putting BCCI’s anti-corruption unit (ACU) on a high alert. The IPL held in a bio-secure environment has not many restrictions imposed and that comes out as a bigger problem as no-one just cannot roam in the premises and influence players into doing anything illegal.
Only people with dubious credentials are permitted are approach the players directly. The only viable option here remains that the perpetrators function through an online portal or corruptors. The BCCI ACU chief Ajit Singh, who is reportedly leading an eight-man team in the UAE, confirmed a significant development to PTI.
He said, “We are tracking him. It will take some time,” when asked about the scenario of the concern. As per anti-corruption protocols, if found guilty heavily impositions are laid. However, the name of the player who reported it and the franchise he belongs too is not revealed due to confidentiality purposes.
All the players are instructed or in fact, have to stay in the allotted bio-bubble and unlike the other editions, the ACU is trying to establish a connection with online groups. The problems magnify as almost every player today has an Instagram and a Twitter account, thus enabling himself to be accessible to people who disguise themselves as fans in order to get them involved.
One of the senior BCCI officials confirmed that all the players, be it an Indian or overseas have undergone multiple anti-corruption classes. “The best part is that the player who was approached immediately sensed that something is fishy. He had a suspicion and he immediately shared his concerns with the ACU. Every player, even those who come from the Under-19 are well aware of each and every anti-corruption protocols,” said the BCCI official.
The ACU had their sessions arranged virtually due to the ongoing pandemic, the BCCI has also tied up with UK-based company Sportradar, which offers “integrity services” to prevent betting and other practices during the IPL via its Fraud Detection Services.
featured image credits- timesofindia
