Seven years after India’s World Cup triumph, a member of that squad is under scrutiny over alleged links with match-fixing syndicates which organized Rajputana Premier League [RPL] in Jaipur in 2017. The tournament came in BCCI Anti-Corruption Security Unit’s [ACSU] watch last year and is currently being investigated by Rajasthan Police’s CID.

DGP CID (Crime) Pankaj Kumar Singh said, “We are currently probing links between private entities, those who are part of the cricket fraternity and officials. We will take action if there is evidence that links them to corruption.”

At least half-a-dozen domestic T20 leagues have been influenced by bookies who decide which way the match will proceed with virtually everyone involved — organizers, players and umpires. These leagues reportedly yield Rs 2-3 crores every week.

In such cases, a “spotter” or “handler” is stationed at a strategic spot just outside the ground to ensure the pre-decided pattern of play to be followed. The “spotter” conveys instructions from bookies through walkie-talkies used by field umpires, who inform the players.

The former India player who represented the team across all three international formats was also spotted on the sidelines during the tournament.

“This is a new methodology bookies and fixers have come up with. They host a private T20 tournament, select a venue and arrange to have it telecast. Because if you telecast it, then the bookie community and betting community gets involved and everyone sitting in a drawing room can bet,” Kumar had said.