Change Bat, Roll Sleeves Were Signs Cricketers Gave Bookies During The Match

Cricket Betting is termed as a big offence in India and it should be because this game not not just played but worshiped in our country. Days after Bangladesh cricketer, Shakib Al Hasan came under the scanner the cricket fraternity and board has got more serious with this issue.

The Bengaluru police has recently revealed one of the most recent betting scam that took place in Karnataka Premier League (KPL) franchise where batsman agreed to score less than 10 runs off 20 balls as part of spot-fixing during a match last season. 

According to Indian Express report, after investigations and search operations, the Bengaluru crime branch arrested the owner of the Belagavi Panthers team Ali Asfak Thara, the coach Vinu Prasad and 39-year old Bengaluru Blasters batsman M Vishwanathan in spot-fixing during a match in August 2018. 

The police had questioned few players and the franchise owners after which three got arrested. 

Cricketer Vishwanathan, was asked to underperform and get out within 20 balls without scoring more than 10 runs and he did. In return, he collected Rs. 5 Lakhs from the bookie. During the match, he further asked for a change of bat after facing 8 balls and then rolled his sleeves up after three overs, which was all planned and set.

The Karnataka police also revealed that there are multiple bookies who were involved in Karnataka Premier League (KPL).  

Recently, in an English daily police sources said "The change of bat and the lifting of the sleeves were pre-determined signals that had been agreed upon by the bookies and the player. Multiple bookies were involved in the fixing incidents and the names of several bookies have come up and they are being investigated".