Jun 20: The current list of culprits involved in the betting scandal and spot fixing in the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) reads like the who’s who of all those connected with Indian cricket. It is a pity that what was described as the premier cricket tournament in the world is now petering out to be a rich man’s cricket casino with rich and greedy cash collectors fooling the cricketing public by their unscrupulous means. The names involved make a mockery of decency and straightforwardness which also raises the question of one’s honesty and respect to society. ‘Money at all costs’ seems to be the mantra of these operators who have not thought twice before getting themselves immersed in such unfair acts.
The son-in-law of the President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Guru Meiyappan now looks like just another passenger on that aircraft of corruption and deceit where he has been joined by Bollywood’s late Dara Singh’s son Vindoo, co-owner of Rajasthan Royals Raj Kundra, cricketers S Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan, several bookies, fixers and middlemen who may still be at large apart from others. There are at least 24 people who have been sent to judicial custody and a total of 60 people have been arrested across the country in the fixing scam. For all you know, some names may not come to light at all when you know the country’s system of influence and interference. Added to this list is the name of Ratnakar Shetty who has been suspended from the Mumbai Cricket Association for allegedly selling IPL match tickets in the black market. Shetty is likely to fight his suspension in the court of law.
It is sad to see the pathetic plight of IPL which now looks like a lost ship in the far off ocean. With no one to save the sinking ship, one should not be surprised if the cash rich IPL is shelved at least for a year or two. But knowing the twist and tantrums of the BCCI officials it is hard to think along those lines. The power hungry BCCI bigwigs will ensure that the lucrative tournament goes on come what may. Who would like to miss the luxurious lifestyle of IPL, the glitz, glamour, fun and more? Former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi who was the masterbrain of the initial tournament feels that "IPL 7 and current upcoming Champions League T20 (CLT20) should be put on hold till full and complete cleansing of BCCI and IPL is done. One cannot continue to take fans for a ride," Modi wrote on his twitter handle. Modi said Kundra should be terminated. "Rule is simple, if an owner in involved in betting - he should be terminated. The rules on this have no ambiguity. Betting is a no, no" Modi said.
What does Rajeev Shukla who was the commissioner of IPL-6 feel about the entire episode? He quickly resigned as IPL Commissioner as soon as the scandal broke out. Some called his running away from the scene as a ‘cowardly act’. In general, Shukla has been very friendly with all the franchise owners of IPL-6 and had a good time alongside. But he should have stayed on to see the findings of the commission appointed to go into the IPL fixing scandal.
With co-owner of Rajasthan Royals admitting to betting according to the police, there is every possibility of the team being dismissed from the future IPL. One of the police officials said that Kundra has been betting since 2011 and has so far lost around Rs.1 crore. Likewise, now the question arises if the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will also be thrown out of IPL since one of their directors Guru Meiyappan is also in trouble for fixing. The BCCI has to take a quick and firm decision and how far the Board will go to throw these two teams out remains to be seen. It will be a bitter pill to swallow if Srinivasan’s CSK team is also shown the exit door. One more headache is on the cards for BCCI. There is a big decision waiting to be taken for the Board which will decide the future of IPL as well.
Former BCCI treasure Ajay Shirke, said: "Those in the office at BCCI have to take quick action now. I always feared this and now we have opened a can of worms. The Board needs to have a clear line of action. This needs to be consistent for everyone irrespective of his status or designation."
Quite surprisingly, despite such so called security measures in place by the organizers, the fixers seem to have managed to do their job without any problems whatsoever. As per the current rules and regulations from ICC, (at least on paper) one can find so many warnings/leagal action in the stadiums and dressing rooms against any fixing deals etc. This apart, security personnel are also placed at many points to avoid any meetings between players, fixers and the bookies. In fact, even the hotels where the players stay are cordoned off to avoid such happenings. The personal mobiles of the players are also not allowed to be used when the matches are in progress. But at the end of the day, the fixers have their own clandestine ways to beat the system. Do you know that most of those involved in fixing have more than one mobile number to contact if required ??
It is a pity that the game loved by millions all over has to undergo such a painful existence because of the fixers. There is a dire need for legalizing betting and unless this happens there will be more corruption and foul play messing up the gentleman’s game. With players joining the fixers for a quick fix agenda of reaping dollars, the menace has to be uprooted somehow. It is not going to be easy for anyone since the greedy operators are on both sides of the coin. Risk, murder, manipulation, greed, fine and penalty are all with the devil who can make or break a deal. The need of the hour is to ensure that everyone concerned is kept in control by the law of the land so that the popular game survives the test.
The IPL with such a huge reserve of funds and finances can initiate quick action to nip the danger of fixing in the bud itself. Experts should lead the way and assist the organizers so that the spectator is not taken for a ride.
There is no place for past errant players who were pulled up for their misdeeds when they pretended to play for their nation. Not only in India but also in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, England, South Africa and other countries one has come across the scandals of match fixing and spot fixing. The epidemic is spreading fast and wide. Every cricketing nation should join together and say to the fixers and the erring players that ‘enough is enough’. One waits hopefully for that clean day to rise sooner than later. Then only, top tournaments like the IPL will remain above suspicion for ever and will be a success.
Tailpiece: In our country, there is always the beauty of unearthing various scandals and corruption related cases which are BREAKING NEWS anyway. But somewhere in the middle during the course of the investigation these sensational cases lose their steam and in the end remain inconclusive for years together. This is mainly due to various kinds of pressure from influential quarters. You can name several instances in this regard. One hopes that the findings by both Delhi and Mumbai police in the IPL fixing scandal will conclude in a free and fair manner with justice to one and all including the public who are watching the scene with great interest. Time to ‘Fix’ the fixers now.