KPL fixing scandal: Two domestic cricketers arrested
- by Grant Boone
- in Sports
- — Nov 8, 2019
In the latest development, the Central Crime Branch Bangalore has arrested two high-profile domestic names - CM Gautam and Abrar Kazi.
Announcing the arrest of Gautam, who had shifted to Goa this season, and left arm spinner Abrar Kazi, the police said that the duo was allegedly involved in match-fixing and spot-fixing during KPL final held in Mysuru on August 31 this year.
It is alleged that Gautam and Kazi accepted INR 20 lakh for "slow batting" in the final of the tournament against Hubli Tigers in Mysore. In this match, they were offered Rs 20 lakh for slow batting.
Earlier on Tuesday, cricketer Nishanth Singh Shekhawat was arrested by Karnataka police in connection with another spot-fixing case. He did the same and scored only nine runs in 17 balls. He has also played for India A and has played for Royal Challengers Bangalore, Mumbai Indians, and Delhi Daredevils in the IPL. Kazi also played Ranji for Karnataka.
The KSCA said that any other franchise, players, match officials and support staff who are arrested with a prima facie evidence of their involvement in any illegal activity will be suspended immediately and if found guilty, appropriate and stringent action will be taken forthwith.
"We have arrested two players with regards to KPL fixing", Additional Commissioner of Police Sandeep Patil told PTI, adding that some more arrests may be made as the investigation progresses. The Tuskers lost the final by eight runs. "Also, they fixed another match against Bangalore team".
The ongoing investigation of Karnataka Premier League (KPL) spot-fixing scandal has opened the pandora's box. There were also the Bengaluru Blasters bowling coach Vinu Prasad and the owner of Belgavi Panthers Ali Asfak Thara.
Both Gautham and Qazi had been named in their respective state squads for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy tournament, scheduled to begin on Friday. Before moving to Goa this year, the 33-year old wicket-keeper batsman has played 94 First-class matches for his home state. Kazi has played a solitary game for RCB.
The coach allegedly manipulated a game between Bengaluru Blasters and Belagavi Panthers previous year.
