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Mohammed Siraj RCB
According to a report by news agency PTI, Mohammed Siraj, the star pacer of Royal Challengers Bangalore, has reported a “corrupt approach” to the Anti-Corruption Unit of the Indian Cricket Board earlier this week. The report mentions that an unknown man wanted inside news about the Royal Challengers Bangalore after he had lost a significant amount of money in an Indian Premier League match. As soon as Siraj received the call, he immediately reported the matter to ACU officials.
A source close to the development revealed that the call wasn't made from a bookie but a driver from Hyderabad. "It wasn't a bookie who approached Siraj. It is a driver from Hyderabad who is addicted to betting on matches. He had lost huge money and approached Siraj for inside information. Siraj reported the approach immediately. The law enforcement authorities have nabbed the man. More details are being awaited," the source said on conditions of anonymity.
The Indian Cricket Board has been taking several measures to combat corruption in cricket after the infamous spot-fixing scandal that rocked the league in 2013. Each team now has a dedicated ACU official who stays in the same hotel and monitors all movements. There is also a mandatory ACU workshop for players on dos and don'ts, and if any player fails to report a corrupt approach, there are sanctions in place.
Not the first instance of such kind
In 2021, Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan was suspended for not reporting a corrupt approach during his IPL stint in the previous season. Thus, Siraj's prompt reporting of the corrupt approach is commendable and shows the importance of players' vigilance in keeping the game free from corruption.
Siraj has been performing consistently well for RCB in the ongoing season, taking eight wickets in five matches so far. However, the team has had an inconsistent run in their first five games, winning only two. Currently, the RCB stands at the eighth spot in the table with four points to its name.
Siraj's actions reflect the importance of the ACU's measures and players' role in keeping the game free from corruption. The incident serves as a reminder that the fight against corruption in cricket must continue.