A sting operation by a TV news channel has caught a few domestic cricketers claiming that IPL franchises pay them more money than they are entitled to as per the BCCI rules, to retain or lure them from other teams.
The TV channel showed five domestic-level players, representing various IPL franchises, apparently succumbing to the lure of fixing. It showed these players discussing the alleged involvement of IPL captains and even team owners in such activities and engaging in lengthy haggling over the price of bowling a no-ball on demand in the IPL.
Shalabh Srivastava, a medium pacer from Uttar Pradesh who is contracted with Kings XI Punjab, is shown alleging that most teams pay players the extra money in black.
In the sting by India TV, he names a domestic cricketer in Kolkata Knight Riders, who shifted from the Kings XI, and a Pune Warriors player, who shifted from Royal Challengers Bangalore, claiming they were paid in black by franchises.
In the sting by India TV, he names a domestic cricketer in Kolkata Knight Riders, who shifted from the Kings XI, and a Pune Warriors player, who shifted from Royal Challengers Bangalore, claiming they were paid in black by franchises.
The sting operation also claimed Srivastava had also agreed to spot-fixing, but this part is only on audio, and is a bit vague. Srivastava was sent home by Kings XI before the start of IPL V, but is still contracted with the team.
“There is no truth in what they are showing about me. It was just friendly talk. They offered me a contract and I asked them to come to Lucknow, but they never came for this,” said Srivastava, denying any wrongdoing.
MP batsman Mohnish Mishra, of Pune Warriors, is shown on camera claiming his team are paying him Rs. 1.45 crore, as much as Rs. 1.2 crore more than his entitled fee as an uncapped player. He gives the undercover reporters the go-ahead to get in touch with other franchisees to get him a bigger contract. A player can’t get in touch with other teams.
Mishra told to media that the person met him as an agent. “I also signed a contract with him which says he will arrange a sponsorship of Rs. 2 lakh per month for me. I bluffed to him saying I’m getting Rs. 1.45 crore from Pune Warriors so that I could get Rs. 2 crore from a future franchise for the next edition. The agent even promised me of getting Rs. 2 crore contract from MI,” Mishra said.
Pune Warriors dismissed the allegations. “It’s absolutely untrue and trash,” Pune Warriors director Abhijit Sarkar said.
Amit Yadav, another Kings XI cricketer, made more serious allegations, claiming spot-fixing happened in the IPL. But the youngster couldn't substantiate his claim.
This TV sting operation involving IPL players shown discussing "spot-fixing and underhand payments to players from franchisees" drew a sharp reaction from the Indian cricket board (BCCI).
The BCCI - whose president N Srinivasan is the owner of an IPL team - was quick to react, saying it "would not tolerate any violations of regulation or any act of corruption" and that the "complete footage" of the sting op would be sought.
"The (IPL) General Council will meet on an emergent basis to review the footage and take appropriate strict action," the BCCI said. It is learnt that the BCCI was contemplating meeting as early as Tuesday.
The BCCI - whose president N Srinivasan is the owner of an IPL team - was quick to react, saying it "would not tolerate any violations of regulation or any act of corruption" and that the "complete footage" of the sting op would be sought.
"The (IPL) General Council will meet on an emergent basis to review the footage and take appropriate strict action," the BCCI said. It is learnt that the BCCI was contemplating meeting as early as Tuesday.
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