New Delhi: A cricketer, competing in the Indian Premier League in the UAE, has reported a corrupt approach, putting BCCI's anti-corruption unit (ACU) on a high alert. The 13th edition of the IPL is being held in the UAE in a bio-secure environment, which has significantly reduced the chance for persons with dubious credentials approaching the player directly.
The threat though still remains by and large due to the online network of corruptors. BCCI ACU chief Ajit Singh confirmed the development to PTI.
“Yes (a player has reported an approach). We are tracking him. It will take some time,” said Singh, the former DGP of Rajasthan Police.
As per anti-corruption protocols, the name of the player (Indian or overseas) or franchise is not revealed for confidentiality purposes.
With players and support staff staying in a bio-bubble, unlike other years, the ACU is concentrating on online corrupt approaches.
Most of the players, especially the younger ones are on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter where unknown people masquerading as fans try to befriend them. A senior BCCI official said all the players whether overseas or Indian international, uncapped domestic players have all attended multiple anti-corruption classes.
“The best part is that the player who was approached immediately sensed that something is fishy. He had suspicion and he immediately shared his concerns with the ACU. Every player, even those who have come from the U-19s are well aware about each and every anti-corruption protocol,” a BCCI official, privy to the development said.
Due to health safety protocols this year, the ACU had organised its mandatory counselling sessions virtually for all the eight teams. Singh is leading an eight-man team in the UAE. The BCCI has tied up with UK-based company Sportradar, which will offer its "integrity services" to prevent betting and other corrupt practices during the upcoming IPL through its Fraud Detection Services.
