Three Rajasthan Royals players have been detained by the police for questioning over allegations of corruption in the on-going Indian Premier League.
India international S. Sreesanth, along with Ankeet Chavan and Ajit Chandila have been detained by the Delhi police and suspended by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
“We have been informed that thee of our players have been called in for investigation on spot fixing in matches. We are completely taken by surprise. We do not have the full facts at this point and are unable to confirm anything,” said the Royals franchise in an official statement.
“We are in touch with the BCCI on this matter. We will fully cooperate with the authorities to ensure a thorough investigation. The management at Rajasthan Royals has a zero-tolerance approach to anything that is against the spirit of the game.”
Of the three players, Chavan and Chandila were apprehended after the Royals’ match against Mumbai Indians on Wednesday while Sreesanth was held back for questioning in Delhi.
Meanwhile, the BCCI issued a statement of its own: “The BCCI is shocked and saddened at the recent developments. The BCCI has zero tolerance to corruption. We will offer all cooperation to the Delhi police and all other authorities in their investigations in this matter. The IPL Governing Council has met and decided that the cricketers found involved will be dealt with severely.”
Neeraj Kumar, the Delhi Police commissoner revealed further details in a press conference, saying: “”The modus operandi was: there was an agreement between the bookies and a player that in a certain over they will give away a minimum amount of runs. The bookies also gave the players the directions.
“That they have to indicate they are ready to give away those runs. You rotate your watch or you put on your towel or you spend some time setting the field.”
“First instance was the match between Pune Warriors and Rajasthan Royals on May 5, 2013. In this match, Chandila gave 14 runs in the second over of his spell. However, he forgot to give the predetermined signal. As a result of which, the bookies couldn’t bet. This led to demands for refunds off Chandila. Twenty lakh was paid advance to him.”
The second instance allegedly occured during the Royals vs KingsXI Punjab fixture, according to Kumar.
“In this match it was decided Sreesanth would put a towel on his trousers before the start of his second over, and give the bookies enough time for heavy booking.
“He asked for the towel before the second over. He went into warm-ups and stretching after that. And conceded 13.
“The third match was last night [Wednesday], between Royals and Mumbai Indians.
“Here Chandila wasn’t playing but he acted as a go-between Chavan and the bookies. He carried 60 lakhs… Chavan was asked to give at least 13 in the second over of his spell. He went for two in his first over. He was hit for a six off the first ball of his second over, then a two, then a six, and then controlled his bowling and gave away only one run.
“Chandila motivated Chavan whole day long. He asked him repeatedly if it is okay. Chavan said 12 is too much, but was convinced to try. The indication was he will move the wrist ball, but 14 or more will be given in the second over whether it is powerplay or not, whether it is bowling first or second.
“After the over, Chandila and Manan – a bookie – talk. Chandila asks him, ‘Happy now?’. The bookie says yes. Chandila tells him the money shouldn’t go directly to Chavan. Chandila wanted the money himself, and would then share it.”
Kumar said there was no evidence against any other players, although he did assert that more bookies would be arrested in addition to the seven who’ve already been detained.
Funny how the world media isn't going crazy over this. Oh but maybe its because they are not Pakistani!
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