Gavaskar reveals bookie approaches in IPL

India

Indian Premier League boss Sunil Gavaskar has confirmed that at least two players have reported being approached by bookies during this year's tournament, taking their complaints to the ICC's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit.

Indian Premier League boss Sunil Gavaskar has confirmed that at least two players have reported being approached by bookies during this year's tournament, taking their complaints to the ICC's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit.

With spot-fixing in the spotlight right now, what with former New Zealand batsman Lou Vincent's allegations about fixing in the Champions League T20, the ICC have seemingly been on high alert for further embarrassments.

The former India batsman said of bookies looking to influence players at the IPL: "There have been a couple and it's been reported to ACU. They are looking into it."

He was also asked about the leak this week of New Zealand captain Brendon McCuulum's testimony to the ACSU, saying that players in the IPL had nothing to fear in terms of their anonymous reports, and should feel comfortable speaking to Integrity Officers.

Gavaskar said: "I can assure you that the leak did not come from the IPL. I don't know where it came from. It's an issue to be concerned. I've to say we have got an Integrity Officer (IO) attached with every team this time.

"It has made it a lot easier for players to communicate. Sometimes players didn't know what to do. Okay there was a number to contact. But a lot of people (players) were thinking if you contact, does your number come under their list.

"The anonymity and confidentiality aspect was something the players were not sure about. Now with the IO attached to every team it has become a lot of easier. If there has been an approach, people go and tell the officer so that he takes it forward."

'Sunny' went on to say that the BCCI were looking to educate young players, especially those in the IPL, about fiscal responsibility and resisting the lure of illegal money, saying: "Sometimes, a youngsters can get carried way, even an experienced can get carried away.

"Indian cricket could end up losing the youngsters. Or the youngster could end up losing valuable years till he realises that sport is a great leveler and can bring you down to earth very, very quickly.

"In order to be able to take care of that a situation, that is what the BCCI exactly looking to do. we have to yet formulate the plan. This is just thinking of IPL GC which will go to the working committee of BCCI from there on it will take wings."

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