ICC Anti-Corruption and Security Unit chairman Paul Condon highlighted the possibility of corrupting influences in IPL in the ICC board meeting in Dubai. He cites the huge amount of money involved and lack of policing as the main reasons behind his view.

Condon warned the executives that "the IPL brings with it the biggest threat in terms of corruption in the game since the days of cricket in Sharjah." The tournaments organized in Sharjah during the 80s and 90s were heavily speculated for strong betting presence which eventually led to India banning its team for participating in a tournament organized in 2001.

ICC has its own strict set of rules and regulations when it comes to monitor betting in its tournaments. Regular policing, a ban on communication devices in dressing rooms, a comprehensive player education program and the rankings system are among the methods employed to minimize the impact of illegal bookmakers and their attempts to corrupt cricketers. Currently the T20 tournaments are held in a random fashion without any point-based ranking system. The multi-million dollar IPL falls outside the jurisdiction of the Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) and thus attracts illegal bookies. ACSU feels more must be done in order to prevent IPL from their corrupting influence.

The betting scene was in full swing while the IPL matches were on. In total 12 persons had been arrested on betting charges. The stakes which started at Rs. 150 crore per match at the start of the season reached Rs. 600 crore per match by the quarter finals stage. Rajasthan Royals team, which eventually won the cup, climbed to the number one spot from the bottom of the list while the initial favorite Chennai Super Kings sank to the bottom of the bookies favorite list. Bookies claim that housewives, grocery shop owners and stockbrokers are actively involved in the betting game! The Satta Bazaar expected Rs. 22000 crore trades in 59 matches.

Comments

Add New RSS

3.25 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."

Newer news items:

Older news items: