Crime Branch probes alleged fixing in Karnataka Premier League, 4 players questioned

The Central Crime Branch (CCB) in Bengaluru on Saturday summoned four players of the Karnataka Premier League (KPL) in connection with a betting and match-fixing case. Earlier, the police had questioned Ali Asfak Thara, the owner of Belagavi Panthers, one of the teams in the league.

Deccan Chronicle reported two of the players summoned were from a different team and added that Ali was in touch with players of other teams during the tournament.

“The inquiry is still at its initial stages and a detailed investigation is required. We will seek the assistance of Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) and the anti-corruption unit of the BCCI too,” Bengaluru Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sandeep Patil told DC.

Citing sources, The Hindu reported that police have established that Ali was in touch with bookies as well. 

 “We are questioning the four players. There are more people involved in this scam,”  a senior official told The Hindu.

The crackdown on suspected betting and match-fixing in the KPL comes after the Tamil Nadu Premier League had come under the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Sportstar had earlier reported how the ACU had received tip-offs regarding the same from some of the few players who were approached via WhatsApp during the tournament. 

The magazine quoted BCCI ACU chief Ajit Singh as saying, “Some of the players involved in the KPL have reported some instances where unknown people tried to be friendly with them via WhatsApp. We have taken note of their complaint and are looking into the matter.”

However, KSCA officials denied knowledge of an ACU probe on the league. KSCA Secretary R Sudhakar Rao said, "We have not received any official communication in this regard. Once we do, we will take further action."