IPL 2020: BCCI ACU Chief confirms presence of bookies in Dubai

***Chief of BCCI Anti-Corruption Unit Ajit Singh***

The current season of IPL is in full swing with the matches coming thick and fast. The season’s first double header is scheduled on Saturday, followed by one more on the very next day. No wonder this would be a gala weekend for the cricket fans across the globe. However, the matches would not only be the cynosure of all eyes for the viewers, but also for the bookies.

The association of the bookies with this cash-rich league has happened on multiple occasions in the past. BCCI has tried their best to plug all the loopholes in the system. But the involvement of the bookies is almost inevitable in the competition. Chief of BCCI Anti-Corruption Unit Ajit Singh has confirmed that the unwanted visitors have already made their way to Dubai. He though assured that the groups and individuals have failed get going yet with all the security practices in place.

In a conversation with ANI, Singh said, “There are bookies who have made their way to Dubai, but they have not been able to make any headway. So far it is all smooth and things are working in order. We have been working closely with not just the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), but also the local police and they have been very helpful.”

Importance of bio bubbles and monitoring of social media

Speaking about the bio-bubbles in place, Singh elaborated, “We have three separate teams that is working around the three venues and keeping a track of things. We are in touch with the local police and the ECB. They are helping us and have a better liasion with the local authorities and are helping us whenever needed.“

He also added, “In fact, we are also getting reports of police back in India tracking down betting activities which happens every time.”

Unlike India, IPL in UAE is conducted in three venues. Singh stressed upon the need to monitor the social media interactions in such situations to curb the malpractices. “See, while the number of venues are less, the hurdles of physical movement due to the coronavirus pandemic also means that approaches if any will be made through social media. So, we are going to be closely monitoring the same and ensuring that there is nothing that escapes the team’s eyes.”

Despite all these, he believes a law is the need of the hour to ideally deal with such offences. “We need a law that makes match-fixing a criminal offence as that will help put a stop to this. Action is taken as per the existing rules, but we need a law,” he added.

Also Read: IPL 2020: BCCI to employ Fraud Detection System to prevent betting malpractices in tournament