IPL 2020: Player reports corrupt approach, ACU starts probe

With players and support staff staying in a bio-bubble, unlike other years, the ACU is concentrating more on the possible online corrupt approaches.

BCCI's ACU chief Ajit Singh is in UAE with a eight-member team.

A cricketer, playing in the Indian Premier League in the UAE, has “reported a corrupt approach”, putting BCCI’s anti-corruption unit (ACU) on high alert.

The 13th edition of the IPL is being held in the UAE in a bio-secure environment, which has significantly reduced the chance for persons with dubious credentials approaching the player directly.

The threat though still remains by and large due to the online network of corruptors.

“Yes (a player has reported approach),” BCCI ACU chief Ajit Singh, the former DGP of Rajasthan Police has confirmed the news.

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As per anti-corruption protocols, the name of the player (Indian or overseas) or franchise is not revealed for confidentiality purposes.

With players and support staff staying in a bio-bubble, unlike other years, the ACU is concentrating more on the possible online corrupt approaches.

Most of the players, especially the younger ones are mostly on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter where unknown people masquerading as fans try to befriend them.

A senior BCCI official said all the players whether overseas or Indian international, uncapped domestic players have all attended multiple anti-corruption classes.

“The best part is that the player who was approached immediately sensed that something is fishy. He had suspicion and he immediately shared his concerns with the ACU. Every player, even those who have come from the U-19s are well aware about each and every anti-corruption protocols,” the BCCI official said.

Due to health safety protocols this year, the ACU had organised its mandatory counselling sessions virtually for all the eight teams.

Singh is leading a eight-member ACU team in the UAE, and the Board has also partnered with UK-based Sportradar, which will offer its “integrity services” to prevent betting and other corrupt practices through its Fraud Detection Services (FDS).

The ACU officials have also intensified the vigilance around the stadiums in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah and all the team hotels. “There ACU officials are in regular coordination with the local police and have also sought help from the Emirates Cricket Board to ensure a smooth tournament,” one of the top officials said.