POLICE arrested three Indian cricketers yesterday including Test player Shantakumaran Sreesanth over allegations of spot-fixing during a domestic Twenty20 game.
“It is with considerable regret and anguish that I pronounce the arrest of three players, namely Sreesanth, Ankeet Chavan and Ajit Chandila and seven bookies and their assistants,” Delhi police commissioner Neeraj Kumar said.
“There was an agreement the players would give away a minimum amount of runs in an over.”
Spot-fixing involves performing in a predetermined way at set times for the benefit of gamblers.
Kumar said the bowlers, all of whom play for a Rajasthan-based team, gave signals such as rotating a watch or hanging a towel at the waist before giving away the number of runs decided upon.
Kumar said up to six million rupees (about R970 000) were paid for such an over.
“We had information about spot- fixing and soon came to know these three players were involved.
“Our team was at each venue where they played because signals could have been given even during commercial breaks,” said Kumar, whose officials also read out transcripts of alleged phone conversations between bookies and players.
All three cricketers, who face charges of cheating and criminal conspiracy, have been suspended by the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
Sreesanth has the highest profile among the players detained, having played 27 Test matches and 53 limited-overs internationals for India.
Former International Cricket Council chief Sharad Pawar called for quick and strong action.
The domestic league “has given substantial financial support to players and this is unforgivable”, said Pawar.
“The BCCI has to take strict action against the players. The suspension announced is the right kind of action but it should not stop there.
“There should be a thorough enquiry and, if proven, they should be banned for life.”
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly called for a life ban on the players if found guilty.
“Nobody can prevent corruption other than the players,” said Ganguly .
“Nobody can force you to bowl a no-ball or a wide. The players found guilty should be banned for life.”
Sreesanth in spot of bother over cheating claims
“It is with considerable regret and anguish that I pronounce the arrest of three players, namely Sreesanth, Ankeet Chavan and Ajit Chandila and seven bookies and their assistants,” Delhi police commissioner Neeraj Kumar said.
“There was an agreement the players would give away a minimum amount of runs in an over.”
Spot-fixing involves performing in a predetermined way at set times for the benefit of gamblers.
Kumar said the bowlers, all of whom play for a Rajasthan-based team, gave signals such as rotating a watch or hanging a towel at the waist before giving away the number of runs decided upon.
Kumar said up to six million rupees (about R970 000) were paid for such an over.
“We had information about spot- fixing and soon came to know these three players were involved.
“Our team was at each venue where they played because signals could have been given even during commercial breaks,” said Kumar, whose officials also read out transcripts of alleged phone conversations between bookies and players.
All three cricketers, who face charges of cheating and criminal conspiracy, have been suspended by the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
Sreesanth has the highest profile among the players detained, having played 27 Test matches and 53 limited-overs internationals for India.
Former International Cricket Council chief Sharad Pawar called for quick and strong action.
The domestic league “has given substantial financial support to players and this is unforgivable”, said Pawar.
“The BCCI has to take strict action against the players. The suspension announced is the right kind of action but it should not stop there.
“There should be a thorough enquiry and, if proven, they should be banned for life.”
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly called for a life ban on the players if found guilty.
“Nobody can prevent corruption other than the players,” said Ganguly .
“Nobody can force you to bowl a no-ball or a wide. The players found guilty should be banned for life.”
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