Xtra Time Web Desk: Four suspected bookies were expelled from luxury boxes at two IPL 2024 venues, both linked to matches involving the Rajasthan Royals, in Jaipur and Mumbai. The Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) of the BCCI identified two bookmakers at each location and handed them over to local authorities. The first incident occurred during the Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Capitals match at Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium on March 28, with two suspects apprehended from a corporate box. The second instance unfolded during RR’s away fixture against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on April 1.
While an FIR was filed against both individuals in Jaipur, the case in Mumbai was deemed a possible case of mistaken identity. Nonetheless, the suspects were escorted out of the MCA’s President’s Box, reserved exclusively for invitees.
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IPL has grappled with betting scandals in the past, notably in 2013 when three RR players – S Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila, and Ankeet Chavan – were arrested in Mumbai on charges of alleged spot-fixing. Subsequently, eleven bookies were detained, leading to life bans for the players and two-season suspensions for RR and Chennai Super Kings.
An officer from the Marine Drive Police Station stated, “Nothing untoward was found on their electronic devices,” as reported by The Hindu.
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Bookies often exploit the time delay between live action and televised broadcasts, known as pitch-sliding, to engage in illegal betting while attending matches in stadiums. Given the illegality of betting in India, the ACU, in collaboration with the BCCI, remains vigilant in preventing illicit activities within the IPL and cricket at large.